Focus Magazine Summer 2014

summer/fall 2014

Graduation

2014

The class of rebels comes of age

Les MisĂŠrables Beyond the barricades at ASF

High-flying seniors We profile five big achievers

Arturo Ripstein Mexican cinema icon and alumnus chats with Focus

Summer/Fall 2014

08

18

38 02 From the Executive Director

22

32

42

44

22 Graduation Day The class of rebels comes of age

39 Donors 2013-14 Thank you to all who gave generously

24 The graduating class of 2014

42 Bear Pride grows on campus Kristal Alley reviews the Bear Boosters’ awards gala

03 From the Editor 04 From the Board of Trustees 05 Staff profile A chat with ASF’s new head football coach 06 Highlights of the 2013-14 year 08 News and Events We take a look at what happened over the last few months, including book fairs, concerts and awards ceremonies 15 Student Wellness and Giving The Middle School’s fledgling SWAG program has been a phenomenal success

Features 16 PYP Exhibition lets students express themselves

By Diego Zaragoza

18 More than just a show The spring production of Les Misérables was the result of a year of hard work

26 Words of wisdom for the class of 2014 Students, teachers and staff address graduates at commencement 28 Outstanding seniors represent ASF values We profile five seniors who each shined in a particular aspect of school life 32 Student Voices Two summer camp volunteers explain why they gave up their vacation

Alumni 43 Profile: Adi Alsaid The ASF coach and alumnus is turning heads with his engaging storytelling 44 Profile: Arturo Ripstein One of Mexico’s cinema icons talks about his time at ASF and his career 45 Class Reunions 46 Alumni Events and Milestones

34 Artists of the Year The student artists of 2014 share their thoughts on expression

48 Kids’ Corner

Institutional Advancement 36 The Annual Fund We explain the annual fund and talk to a scholarship recipient 38 A stellar year We look over the year’s fundraising events summer/fall 2014 | 1

from the executive director

| contributors

The fall issue of Focus magazine is always somewhat bittersweet. As we

have said a fond farewell to the graduates of the class of 2014, we look forward to the start of a new year. We are welcoming returning community members as we embrace new families to the ASF community who arrive from numerous countries from throughout the world. In those terms, ASF remains diverse, with more than 42 nationalities represented in our student body.

True to its mission and its international character, ASF continues its diversity initiative, ensuring that the school remains a diverse place. We want to ensure that the community benefits from having individuals who represent different countries, religions, cultures. languages and, socio-economic backgrounds.

Additionally, the school is committed to recruiting families with different experience, particularly in the areas of the arts, academics, athletics, community service and entrepreneurship.

At commencement on May 31, 182 students, from Old Timers to recent ex-pat students, received their diplomas as they move on to further studies in some 12 countries. This was the far-reaching vision of Mr. Davis who founded the school as a kindergarten with nine students in 1888.

As we begin the new school year, you will also see changes to our sustainability program as well as the entrances and drop-off for students. The school’s Sustainability Committee has successfully created a recycling center and new recycling bins have been placed in strategic locations throughout the campus.

Our commitment is to become as “green” as possible, further seeking to comply with the U.S. Green Buildings Council LEED initiatives.

In order to promote an increased awareness of civic duty and demonstrate a “good neighbor” policy, the school will be restricting drop-off of students at the main gate of the school. Therefore, we encourage families to take advantage of the bus transportation or use the alternate drop-off system that has been put into place. What does all this mean for you? They may cause certain disquiet, but in the end the changes will benefit not only the ASF community, but the surrounding area as well, making it a more safe and secure area. You will be hearing more about these measures as we move forward. I thank you in advance for your support of our efforts.

In closing, we are committed to making the ASF community a more robust learning environment for all its members: students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. As we begin a new school year, I wish you a year of successful experiences and enriching involvement in our school community.

Paul Williams Executive Director

2 | summer/Fall 2014

Álvar Martínez Acero (Photography) Álvar has a bachelor’s degree in communications from UNAM and has specialized for several years in editorial photography, video production and graphic design. It’s been a year since he joined the ranks of ASF and he assures us that “it’s been a joyful ride” and is very optimistic that “the best is still on the way.” He claims to have made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, and is certain that some of our readers know what he’s talking about.

Diego Zaragoza (“PYP exhibition lets students express themselves,” page 16) Diego Zaragoza is the Lower School academic dean and PYP coordinator. He has worked in education for 12 years, and has been a classroom teacher and education leader in California, Seoul, and Mexico City. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, the State University of New York at Buffalo and the Principal’s Training Center. He is passionate about young people and education and demonstrates this in writing about the PYP exhibition in this issue. In addition to his responsibilities at ASF, he is an active member of the IB Educators’ Network and co-coordinates the UCLA Alumni network in Mexico.

Kristal Alley (“Bear pride grows on campus,” page 42) Kristal Alley is the treasurer of the Bear Boosters and a member of its board of directors.

She and her husband Steve have two daughters at ASF, Payton and Avery, who both play soccer for the Bears. She shows her passionate support for sports at ASF in writing about the Bear Boosters Gala in this issue of Focus.

In addition to volunteering for the Boosters, Kristal manages her own international consultancy, Alley Global Advantage.

from the editor

FOCUS A magazine for the ASF community Summer / Fall 2014 Vol. XIII | No. 2 | Mexico City Paul Williams Executive Director Susan Olivo Head of Early Childhood Center Tara Fitzgerald Head of Lower School Rebecca Crutchfield Head of Middle School Amy Gallie Head of Upper School Robert Wilson Head of Athletics & Extended Learning

Dear Readers, Welcome to a new look Focus! As you can see, we have made several changes to the magazine’s design. We’re hoping that you will find our new style interesting, eye catching and easy to read.

But first let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew, a proud Kiwi, lover of travel, football (that’s soccer football) and coffee – and a Mexican at heart. After two years living and working here in Mexico, I joined ASF in May and this is my first edition of Focus. Arriving at the business end of the school year, I was thrown in the deep end, but that’s the best way to learn to swim. Putting together this magazine has been a great introduction to the school, its unique culture and its diverse student body and staff.

I especially enjoyed getting to know some of the outgoing seniors before they left. The Class of 2014 really made its mark on the school – you can read about them in our graduation special starting on page 22. I also profiled five individual seniors whose inspirational dedication and achievement makes them excellent examples of the diversity of skills and interests found in the ASF student body. Their stories can be found starting on page 28.

As many of you will know, the ASF Theatre Company’s production of Les Misérables was an astounding success. On page 18, I go behind the scenes to look into just how much work went into putting together such a grand show, both onstage and off. I would also like to draw your attention to Diego Zaragoza’s look at the IB Primary Years Programme exhibition. The PYP is a fantastic way to teach young students to create and explore for themselves, and Diego is a passionate educator and guide. In addition, on pages 43 and 44 you can find profiles of two ASF alumni – one who is starting to make waves in young adult fiction, and one who has for years been one of the driving forces in Mexican cinema.

Editorial Staff Violeta Ayala, Director of Communications Andrew Livingstone, Editor-in-Chief Kelly Arthur Garrett, Editorial Consultant Daniela Graniel, Art Director Álvar Martínez, Photography Alumni Relations María Vidal (’03) alumni@asf.edu.mx Parent Association Adriana Ramos, President Marissa Russell (’92), Vice President Advertising Sales: 5227 4942 FOCUS es una publicación cuatrimestral editada por The American School Foundation, A.C., Sur 136 #135, Col. Las Américas, México, D.F., C.P. 01120. Editor Responsable: Andrew Livingstone.

Derechos de Autor: Licitud de Título y de Contenido 16220. Reserva de Derecho: 04-2008-111212240200-102.

Distribuido por The American School Foundation, A.C. Sur 136 #135, Col. Las Américas, México, D.F., C.P. 01120. Se prohibe la reproducción total o parcial de los textos de esta revista sin previa autorización escrita de The American School Foundation, A.C.

Once again, I hope you enjoy this edition of Focus, and I look forward to your feedback on our new look. Best of luck for the new school year.

Andrew Livingstone Editor-in-Chief

On the cover: Mayank Adlakha at the Commencement ceremony Photo by Jessica Urquiza

summer/fall 2014 | 3

from the board of trustees

In several of my recent letters in Focus to the the ASF community, I’ve made reference to ASF’s “goals.” These

are extremely important statements of intention that allow the Trustees and school leadership to better define the strategic directions that the school should take into the future.

The Board of Trustees and the school leadership agree that the school’s mission and vision statements will serve as its guiding principles in their task of ensuring the institution’s well-being. The goals provide more specific guidelines to comply with that essential task.

I thought Focus readers would find it valuable as well as inspiring for me to explain a little bit more in-depth about the ASF goals. Here are all five of them: An inclusive community made up of a caring and diverse student body:

The school seeks to recruit and retain talented families and students from different nationalities, religions, cultures and disciplines, regardless of financial capabilities. The school will foment the participation of all its community members in the advancement of the institution, through its recognized systems, such as the Parent Association, student government, the house system, etc. This sense of community that prevails among its students, faculty, parents and alumni is guided by the strong values of acceptance and respect that prevail throughout the school.

Academic excellence: ASF is committed to offering its students a curriculum

that is academically challenging in its content and delivery. Through the integration of technology in the classrooms, the school generates interactive and individualized learning opportunities, which promotes meaningful knowledge.

Students will demonstrate growth in standardized achievement measures while demonstrating a commitment to complying with Mexican and U.S. accreditation as well as with International Baccalaureate best practices in order to prepare students for admission into the college or university of their choice.

Talented teachers and leadership: ASF will seek to attract, retain and de-

velop an outstanding faculty and leadership team. The school will search for ways to promote a more active and meaningful participation of the Foundation members and volunteers. The Board will continue to operate according to best practices of non-profit institutions.

Modern infrastructure: New pedagogies call for redesigned facilities that can

sustain modern technologies that will lead to more interactive learning, better sports facilities and improved art venues. We will continue with the thoughtful implementation of the school’s Master Building Plan in the coming years as funds become available.

Sound financials: ASF will continue to raise the necessary funds to financially

support its ambitious plans. It will continue to procure sufficient funding to:

•Attract and retain diversity in its student body through its financial aid program.

• Attract and retain talented faculty and leadership with competitive salaries and benefits.

Welcome to the new Board of Trustees member Our newest board member Álvaro Rodríguez Arregui has a Bachelor of Science in economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). He also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School (HBS). He is the co-founder and managing partner of IGNIA, a venture capital firm based in Mexico investing in early-stage innovative enterprises. He has previously served as Chairman of the Board of ACCION International, a U.S.-based global not-forprofit pioneer in microfinance. He was also the Chief Financial Officer of Vitro, one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world. Before joining Vitro, Rodríguez Arregui served as Chief Executive Officer of Farmacias Benavides, one of the largest drugstore chains in Latin America. From 1999 to 2002 he was the Chief Financial Officer of Grupo Salinas’ retail arm, Elektra.

Rodríguez Arregui lives in Mexico City with his wife Marcela and their 12-year-old twins. He has both Mexican and Spanish nationalities.

The 2014-15 Board of Trustees Rosa Marentes de Pisinger (’87) Chair Thurston F. Hamer (’81) First Vice Chair Joan Danielle Liechty Treasurer Carla Ormsbee Cedeño Secretary Aliki Botton de Elías (’85) César Buenrostro Moreno (’85) Sebastián Fernández Cortina Fernando Franco Bustillos Fernando Gutiérrez Ochoa Frances E. Huttanus Antonio Rallo Verdugo Álvaro Rodríguez Arregui John Santa Maria Otazúa (’75)

• Implement technology to enhance school learning and systems.

The Board of Trustees will ensure through financial policies that ASF remains a solid institution, capable of achieving its goals.

Ex-Officio Members: Eric A. Flohr Randall S. Nelson

Rosa Marentes de Pisinger (’87) Chair of the ASF Board of Trustees 4 | summer/Fall 2014

Putting the Fight into the Bears For the school’s new head football coach, it’s a fantastic opportunity to work with young people.

And for ASF, it was a chance to bring a wealth of experience and attitude to the school. Ernesto Alfaro del Villar and ASF’s football program are the perfect match.

“I’m a complete believer in what football does for kids.”

W

hen the school began searching for a new head football coach, the perfect candidate very quickly came to light, with a résumé too good to pass up on.

Ernesto Alfaro del Villar had recently resigned after eight years as head coach of the Burros Blancos at Instituto Politécnico Nacional, who he led to a national championship title in 2007, being named Coach of the Year by numerous sports publications.

Alfaro del Villar says he was told about the position by a member of the school community and upon visiting the school, jumped at the chance for a new challenge after more than 25 years as a football coach. “I was called and asked to apply for the position. It was a pleasure to be offered the job.

“I don’t think that I could find something similar in Mexico,” he says of the grounds and training facilities. “There is everything here to build a good program in any sport.”

While American football is still very much a minority sport in Mexico, especially at school level, it is growing in popularity, and it makes up an important part of ASF’s American tradition.

Alfaro del Villar is one Mexican who has dedicated his life to American football.

“I’m a complete believer in what football does for kids. They get more responsibility, they grow up faster… so football is the best for a kid to practice,” he says.

“I believe that football is one of the better sports for students to play, because it’s the only sport that allows the big guy, the small guy, the fat guy, the thin guy to play.

It has a position for each person.”

Alfaro del Villar says he enjoys working with young people. In addition to coaching at IPN, he also worked as the offensive coach of the Mexican under-19 team, taking them to the World Cup in Kuwait last month to compete against the hosts and teams from Europe, the U.S. and Canada.

He has clear short- and long-term goals for the ASF team that go beyond just sporting skills.

“We want to help the kids to be better players, sons, students, citizens. Of course the sport aspect is important but I think that the most important thing for me is the rapport that we build with them. I think that the relationship that we build with the kids and between them is crucial.”

The first challenge, Alfaro del Villar says, will be to get to know the kids and let them know what he expects from them and how he can help them achieve their goals. “I think the most important thing is to get the commitment of players and establish communication with them. I see a lot of potential to grow and get results.”

And with his coaching staff, he is confident of improving on-field performance.

“If we go step by step, we are going to get a very good team in a couple of seasons.”

If all goes to plan, it looks like good times are ahead for the Fighting Bears. summer/fall 2014 | 5

: 4 1 3

r e 1 b 20to remem ear

y A

A The o f un

of eries nts s a n le put o al ta levels heir music l l a t of ents w off Stud ts to sho r conce

The AS Fc donate m ommunity came t ogether ore than to 15 tons o to flood v f goods ictims

Students showed th eir commun at the CA ity spirit S fair

6 | summer/Fall 2014

s t wa even ed s k l Ta end ASF ll who att t s r fi for a The ation r i p s in

an

s

ve rable n fi ĂŠ ut o s Mis p ny Le a p m s of Co re mance t a he for F T per AS table et org

The J V soc c rank ing am er boys h ad ong M exico an excell ’s top e eight nt year, schoo l team s

y

munit the com rive in n e r d child to the Toy D rivilege s Underp gifts thank d e iv rece

The Mo de true me l United Nation aning of s showe d the diversit y

The senior girls soccer teams dominated every tournament in which they played

news & events

Lower & Middle School

Students ‘Step Up’

In what are two of the ASF’s most unique and important ceremonies each year, students from 5th and 8th grades celebrated finishing Lower and Middle school respectively, and getting ready for “stepping up” to a new school within ASF. It was standing room only as parents and families packed the Fine Arts Center two days in a row. The 8th graders dressed in their black gowns receive diplomas and make speeches Early Childhood

ECC celebrates Family Day

praised their teaching staff and looked ahead to “stepping

Center

Each grade at the ECC had their own chance to mark Family Day with parents and grandparents in May. Our youngest students demonstrated their vocal talents in a sing-along for families, before showing off artwork made during the year.

It was a chance for the ECC community to gather to eat and celebrate the kids’ accomplishments near the end of what was for some, their first year of schooling.

Especially poignant was a presentation of photos of kids together with photos of their parents at the same age, allowing children to relate to their mothers and fathers in a new way.

Upper School

celebrating their time in Middle School, while 5th graders

Tanya Huntington inspires

U.S. artist, poet and freelance journalist Tanya Huntington presented some of her works to a group of Upper School students in the US Library in April. Tanya has exhibited both in Mexico and overseas, and writes in both English and Spanish. Her dedication was inspirational for our students.

8 | summer/Fall 2014

forward” to a new challenge with the support of families and school staff.

After the ceremonies, students and their families posed for professional photos in Founders Garden and enjoyed a “graduation party” on school grounds.

Upper School

Senior leaders recognized

Seniors got the opportunity to learn of each other’s extracurricular work and successes before graduation at the Upper School Leadership Awards in late April.

Parents and fellow students applauded the efforts of the school’s many clubs and their impact on the school and community at the Ángeles Espinosa Yglesias Fine Arts Center. Graduating club members received certificates and tassels and congratulated the juniors who will take over their leadership positions next school year.

The school’s Tech Club was named best new club for its work in helping put together the Les Misérables show and Repentino’s volunteers took the award for Most Dedicated Club.

The community impact award was given to Gamma Club for its outstanding work lending a hand to less privileged students from neighboring schools by providing free tutoring, coaching and arts classes on ASF grounds.

Teachers never stop learning SUNY

Just one day before seniors held their commencement ceremony, some 20 faculty members took on the guise of students to receive their own higher educational degrees in late May. Many had spent years working in their spare time toward the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies, offered through ASF by the State University of New York.

The graduates were praised for the dedication they have shown to their calling and the extra work they have put in to make themselves better teachers, with the help and resources from the school’s Center for Teaching Excellence. Current and future students at all levels are set to benefit from the skills and knowledge learned by these staff members.

Upper School

Economics students get down to business

Upper School Economics students got some real world experience to back up their classes when they took part in the Economics Fair in April.

Students set up stalls to sell all types of foods and other goods, keeping accounts and gaining a better understanding into the applications of basic economic concepts like supply and demand, how markets work, and the real value of money.

summer/fall 2014 | 9

news & events

Athletics

Swimming Successes

Sisters Valeria and Paulina Watson competed at the National Swimming Championships in Veracruz in late April, finishing with a haul of medals and some very fast times.

Both Paulina and Valeria took home age group golds, Paulina winning the 15-16 year olds 100m Freestyle in a time of 58.97 seconds, and Valeria winning the 17-18 year olds 200m Backstroke in a time of two minutes and 21.75 seconds.

Paulina went on to also win silver in both the 400m and 800m freestyle events, cementing her place as one of Mexico’s top two female swimmers of her age.

Parent Assn.

Books for Everybody

Book fairs abounded on campus in the spring, as they do every year. The Parent Association sponsored the Spanish Book Fair and the Used Book fair, not only promoting reading among students and their families but also raising funds for the school. The ECC got into the act as well, organizing its own book fair for the younger set. Earlier in the school year, the PA also sponsored the annual Englishlanguage Book Fair. And they’ll all happen again during this new school year.

Early Childhood

Center

Mothers Day

Mothers of ECC kids were treated to a special performance from youngsters at the Ángeles Espinosa Yglesias Fine Arts Center to celebrate Mother’s Day in April.

10 | summer/Fall 2014

Middle School

Middle School students put on a concert

The Middle School presented their final concert of the year in May. It was also the final concert organized

by Mr. David Vélez, who has now left ASF, but managed to inspire future singers during his time with us.

Students performed a number of choral arrangements of recent pop hits for an appreciative audience.

Extended Learning

Cubs and Bears go to Summer Camp

While many took a break from school and a well-earned rest, some of our younger students felt the best way to spend a vacation was back at school on the Cub and Bear Camps.

Kids from ages three through 12 took part in a range of fun and educational activities both indoors and out including art and language classes, gymnastics, soccer and fun in the swimming pool.

Extended Learning

Wins in Debating and Public Speaking

It was a hugely successful end to the school year for the debating team, with the four ASF representatives making up four of the five finalists at the national public speaking competition.

Senior María Ballesteros went on to win the competition and the right to represent Mexico at the International Public Speaking Competition in London. There, María impressed a global crowd with her powerful argument on using imagination in decision making. This, together with her strong impromptu speech performance – a skill well developed in debating – landed her and Mexico an amazing second place on the world stage. summer/fall 2014 | 11

news & events Extended Learning

Teacher Profile: John Powell

After four years teaching Physical Education in the Middle and Upper School, John Powell will start the 2014-15 school year with a fresh challenge – he’s the new Extended Learning Coordinator. John’s first experience of ASF was in 2009, when as a student of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, he spent a month at the school as a student teacher. “Once you get on the campus of ASF it hits you. It’s our own little world,” he says.

“It was all a rush because it’s such a new culture and it was my first time in a foreign country other than on short vacation.”

Special Events

César Chávez

The story of inspirational Mexican-American union leader César Chávez was brought straight from the cinema to the school’s Fine Arts Center in May, where Executive Producer Julián Levin was on hand to talk about the film and answer questions.

César Chávez tells the true story of successful non-violent struggle for social change among largely Mexican farm workers in California. It deals with themes central to ASF’s mission, including justice, diversity and a commitment to peaceful social movements. Students, parents and staff enjoyed the movie-theater atmosphere and the chance to talk to someone involved in the film’s production, in what many hope will be the first of more such events in the future.

During his month in Mexico, John made friends at the school and enjoyed the community spirit. So when he was told of a job opportunity at ASF in 2010, he jumped at the chance to return as a Middle School Physical Education teacher and coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team. He enjoys a teaching schedule that makes use of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. “We focus on the student obtaining a whole, wellrounded lifestyle. And PE falls into that,” he says.

“You play the sport, but then you try to get the kids to understand that you need to communicate; are you thinking outside the box in this game?” John says that while he will miss teaching in his new position, he is looking forward to organizing all of the school’s extended learning activities.

“Now I’m transitioning from being a teacher on a PE field and sometimes in a classroom to more of an office-type role,” he says.

Levin said that while the union leader has streets and schools named after him in California, he’s virtually unknown in Mexico, which is something the film aims to change. “People organizing themselves and non-violent struggles can get you somewhere. It’s very important to see that.”

“I really do enjoy organizing and we have a lot of detail that we’ve improved so much this year. I like this behind the scenes work.”

The film César Chávez wasn’t just popular at ASF – it was a success in theaters in both Mexico and the U.S.

Upper School

Seniors capped by influential staff member

Days out from graduation, seniors took part in one of ASF’s most touching and unique celebrations – the capping ceremony.

Students each chose one faculty or staff member to present them with their cap, which they wore with pride at commencement. It was a poignant moment for teachers and staff members who were chosen to cap students, as they were reassured that they have made a strong positive impact on a student’s life – and in the case of some, several students’ lives.

Staff member and student exchanged hugs, photos and gifts in what was a final chance for some seniors to say thank you to those who helped them in their ASF journey.

12 | summer/Fall 2014

Upper School

MYP Personal Project Fair

In the crowning event of the IB course Middle Years Programme, 10th graders presented their personal projects in the Fine Arts Center gallery in February. Faculty, staff and younger students went along the personal project fair, where studies into issues as varied as health, the environment, business, sports, arts and technology were explored.

Creative students explained the purpose, objectives and outcomes of each of their projects, and invited people to take part and try out a number of different interactive exhibits, many of which were designed to challenge people’s attitudes and behavior and provoke a positive change.

Special Events

Awards Ceremonies

Outstanding students from each of the schools were recognized at awards ceremonies held at the end of the school year.

Hundreds of parents gathered to see Lower School kids praised for their accomplishments over up to five years. Middle School students received awards based on their specific IB profiles, while Salutatorian Mayank Adlakha inspired and entertained fellow seniors with his speech at the Upper School awards.

Upper School

The gift of Knowledge

The Upper School library got a huge boost in June with the unveiling of the Col. Frank M. Brandstetter collection – a treasure trove of books donated by the late Colonel’s estate. Military representatives from the U.S. embassy joined school leaders and Col. Brandstetter’s representative to unveil a plaque marking the collection, which contains hundreds of texts on military history, intelligence and biographies of world leaders – including some personally signed by U.S. presidents.

Librarian Janet Castelpietra says that the collection had turned out to be much more extensive than staff had originally anticipated, and includes some “hidden jewels” that Upper School students will be able to discover this year. summer/fall 2014 | 13

news & events

Special Events

Libraries go into Overdrive

All of ASF’s libraries jointly launched Overdrive in April – a new system that allows users to directly download books and learning materials to digital devices including tablets, computers and cellphones.

On launch day library staff were on hand to teach faculty, staff and students how to use the application and access the school’s many library resources online. Now, members of the ASF community are enjoying e-books and audio books in digital format, thanks to a great new educational innovation.

Early Childhood

Center

Children’s Day

ECC kids celebrated Children’s Day this year with a World Cup theme, wearing the colors of their national or favorite teams. While the tricolor of Mexico dominated, other young students proudly wore the red, white and blue of Team USA, the bright yellow of Brazil or Colombia, Spanish red or the light blue and white stripes of Argentina.

World Cup-related activities saw students practice dribbling a soccer ball, knocking over blocks representing the 32 teams, and of course, national flag face painting. Children from local schools were invited to join in and socialize with their neighbors from the ECC in the spirit of community. Across the road at the Lower School, students enjoyed a day in the sun and more outdoor games and junk food than one could handle.

Special Events

Earth Week

While Earth Day was celebrated worldwide on April 22, ASF students took the initiative further, dedicating the whole week to activities and classes raising awareness of environmental issues and actions.

Invited speakers gave talks on environmental measures being taken in Mexico City and the Valle de Mexico, while students participated in workshops giving them tips on everyday ways to lessen their impact on the environment, by taking actions such as sorting trash, composting and reusing materials.

Botanist Jerry Parker took groups of students for a tour of the Fine Arts Center’s rooftop garden, pointing out the beauty and uses of its range of Mexican native and foreign flora.

And students showed off their own recycling projects, including making trash cans out of used plastic bottles. The trash cans are now a permanent fixture in the school.

14 | summer/Fall 2014

A story with a Swagger

By Rebecca Crutchfield, Head of Middle School

At the start of the last school year, the Middle School launched SWaG, a community services program that encouraged students to dedicate some of their time to clubs and community groups. It was hoped that students would contribute by picking up litter or tutoring others. What actually happened was even more impressive.

S

tudent Wellness and Growth (SWaG) was an initiative that grew out of the need for students to join community activities, participate, examine their habits, and look to integrate the student body. What began as a plan to have students engage in small community-improving efforts actually produced some unintended and very rewarding consequences.

We soon found that kids not only freely offered their time to tutor peers, usher school events and read to younger students, but they also helped to build houses, brought lunches to the elderly, kept terminally ill children company and spent time with orphans, giving them some much-needed attention.

And it wasn’t just the students helping out – many parents got on board too, helping organize events and pitching in. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many parents reporting that they were initially skeptical, but found the experience to be very enriching.

Were we surprised at the outpouring of care and effort from our MS students and families? No, but we are certainly looking forward to watching the positive effects of the ripples they’ve caused. We can now look forward to seeing what this year’s SWaG initiatives bring to the community. After all, as Mahatma Gandhi said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” summer/fall 2014 | 15

FEATURE

Expressing Ourselves: Kids get creative

By Diego Zaragoza Tejas, Lower School Academic Dean

T

he PYP Exhibition is the culminating inquiry experience for the IB Primary Years Programme and for our 5th grade students at ASF. This event brings together a myriad of topics that fall under one of the six transdisciplinary themes of the PYP. In past years, the exhibition had been organized around the “Sharing the Planet” theme, but to shake things up and provoke new ideas this year, the theme explored by our students was “How we Express Ourselves.”

We defined the theme as an investigation into “the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.”

To evidence the true collaborative and inquiry nature of the PYP, our students engaged in critical thinking and teamwork to create a central idea that would conceptually address the theme and ensure that students exuded the learner profile attributes, attitudes and transdisciplinary skills. Their focus was: “Globally, through ideas, arts, communications, and cultures, people express themselves and create new understandings.”

For several months, students put different skills into practice.

Working in small groups of three or four based on their particular topic of interest, they created action plans and projects involving independent research into a topic related to the central idea, developing a unique understanding for themselves and synthesizing and communicating it to our ASF community. They made connections to their real lives and collected data that made their findings factual and significant to the public.

After a few months, there was a collective exhale as the Exhibition days came and students presented their research. Students, staff, and mentors made it through this time period with flying colors! The opening ceremony was carried out by our exhibition representatives and myself, as the PYP Coordinator.

16 | summer/Fall 2014

We spoke about the process students went through and celebrated their hard work. The day brought a variety of creative expressions that students used to present their research findings.

Their goal was to challenge our community members and to motivate everyone to learn and encourage taking action to change our community. Presentations ranged from expression through graffiti to social media, body art to sports, among others.

Groups of students used different strategies to showcase their information and cater to the different learning needs of community members. Having colorful visuals was important to the kids as they felt those would attract more people to their stand.

Thereafter, they were expected to have clear texts that connected the topic to the central idea and data that was organized in graphs, charts or mathematical expression to provide statistics on their issue. Technology also played a key role in their presentation. All groups interviewed an expert or specialist in their specific focus area who gave support and validity to their topic. Also, different interactive components were used to put learning to the test. These engagements ranged from trivia games to art activities where visitors could actively express what they learned, giving feedback to students on how people learned through their presentations.

These days, children have access to different ways of expression, an opportunity that other generations did not have. They found it important to educate others on how they see expression and what it means to them. For example, students are now driven to express who they are through social media. Tools such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are shaping how social interactions are changing and consequently also bring challenges they must resolve creatively.

These online platforms provide countless ways to share who we are, and through this transdisciplinary theme, students were able to see the great opportunities they have to keep in touch with friends, but also saw the potential dangers of social media. One of the attitudes they considered closely was responsibility, focusing on how everyone had to ensure that safety is always kept at the forefront of communication and expression.

My writing can’t do justice to what our 5th grade students, teachers, and mentors went through to make this culminating project a reality. There was a sense of accomplishment that everyone felt, but more importantly, a sense of respect and admiration. The PYP does exactly this – it engages the community in the practice of the Learner Profile attributes and to develop true international-mindedness. We must all look at our students and how they rose above a challenging project to demonstrate that we can all work together, think critically, communicate effectively and socialize with others who might be similar or different from ourselves.

As the culminating experience of the PYP, the exhibition encompassed its essential elements: Knowledge, Attitudes, Concepts, Action, and Skills. All of these create a framework for learning that is engaging, relevant, challenging and significant for children. At ASF we strive to make learning trans-disciplinary and inquiry-based and not restricted to the traditional subjects.

These themes allow students to study and understand human core commonalities, make connections across disciplines, and relate issues to real life. In previous years, the exhibition focused on Sharing the Planet where students studied the responsibilities and struggles of sharing finite resources with other living things, access to equal opportunities, communities and the relationships within and between them, and peace and conflict resolution. Each one of the six trans-disciplinary themes provides a global and local perspective to students and adults alike. Consequently, all ASF stakeholders are exposed to the IB Learner Profile and build a community based on respect and with international-mindedness as the overarching end goal.

Now our 5th graders are moving up to the MYP, just as other generations have come and gone from Lower School. We look forward to seeing them develop and become young men and women who will represent our ASF community in their unique roles. Their personal projects through the MYP will continue to show their growth as a class, but more importantly, their individuality.

summer/fall 2014 | 17

FEATURE

Les Misérables

more than just a show

A

“First call, first call. This is the first call.”

s the words ring out on opening night, backstage is a blur of movement and sound. Students rush back and forth down the narrow corridor between dressing rooms, some dressed all in black, others in the rags of prisoners, while others still wear the fancy clothes of 19th century French women.

There are just minutes to go until the premier of the drama club’s production of Les Misérables and students are abuzz with pre-show nerves. A few have already held a press conference with visiting media. Outside, hundreds of friends, family and theater-goers mill in the lobby of the Ángeles Espinosa Yglesias Fine Arts Center, waiting to take their seats in a packed 18 | Summer summer/Fall / fall2014 2014

house. The show would play five times – to a sellout crowd each night. And each time, after three hours of almost non-stop music, song and spectacle, there would be a minutes-long standing ovation.

But as the second call goes out on opening night, students don’t yet know they will pull off an amazing act. They’re still rushing to put on make-up, check the lighting and sound, and ensure that all props are set and ready to go onstage.

Then there’s a moment of reflection as the cast and crew gather round in a circle holding hands to make a final wish for a good show, and with a chant of “Victor Hugo, Victor Hugo,” they take their places in the wings as the final call goes out.

The orchestra strikes the opening chords and the show begins. But this is not the real beginning – in fact, this is the climax of a long journey, a journey that started almost a year earlier.

Before drama teacher Rosana Cesarman decided that ASF would attempt the famously difficult Les Misérables, she had to be sure that there was sufficient vocal talent to pull it off. After holding pre-auditions, she called in professional Director Armando Arrocha to help staff and students put on the show.

Arrocha, who has taken part in Les Misérables before, and said that it is a notoriously complicated work. “I always told them that this is a professional show. This

For me Les Mis is a play that has a very deep message that stayed with me. Keeping some of the messages the play has and applying them to life, that’s something I’m really looking forward to passing on.” Juan Pablo Luna

was conceived to be performed by professionals. And it’s really hard to do.”

Based on the 19th century novel by French author Victor Hugo, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who has been imprisoned for stealing bread. There are no spoken parts, everything in the play is sung.

Arrocha said aside from the play’s threehour length, the real challenge is the singing.

“It’s almost an opera.” Les Mis is famous for challenging songs like I Dreamed a Dream, On my own and Bring him home.

After more than a hundred auditions, roles were assigned. Among them, senior Juan Pablo Luna was chosen to be Jean Valjean.

Juan Pablo had played in the orchestra during previous productions, but it was his first time singing on stage.

“The hardest part was getting into my character and making people believe that I am that on stage. I have to go from a convict who’s very angry at the world to a very understanding, compassionate person and it’s hard to make that transition and show it on stage,” he says.

For a first-time musical actor, Juan Pablo was a natural. His solo singing parts drew rounds of applause. “I actually prefer singing,” he says, adding that putting words to song gives an extra layer of meaning to the words. “You have the orchestra behind you giving that emotion, and you are amplifying it to the public.”

Summer summer/fall / fall 2014 | 19

FEATURE

The idea is to study in London and my ultimate dream is to get to do Les Misérables in London. And this was a huge step toward that.

Alexa Rosengaus

Alexa Rosengaus had been involved in previous drama club productions and jumped at the chance to play Eponine.

“She was the first thing about Les Misérables that caught my attention. There’s something about her that’s so relatable,” she says.

After almost a year of practice, Eponine’s lines were burned into Alexa’s subconscious. “My entire life revolves around the play and this production,” she says. When the play finished, they weren’t forgotten either. She plans to make a career of musical theater, and wants to study in London and play Eponine in a West End production of Les Misérables.

But while the cast is the visible face of the production, behind the scenes is a whole crew working to make sure everything comes together as smoothly as possible. The Tech Club was formed last year to better control backstage aspects of production, and around 15 Tech Club members are working on the lighting, props and multimedia during the show.

20 | Summer summer/Fall / fall2014 2014

Tech Club member Maite Landerreche says that they spent more time in the theater than the cast. Dressed all in black to appear almost invisible, they set the scenes for each act, making sure the right props are in the right places. Others control the ropes to raise and lower the curtains, giving depth to different scenes. Behind the crowd, four students make sure the lights are drawing attention to the action and away from the set dressers.

“We had to make a ton of lists of what is needed in which scene, when does it come in, what actors come in and where do they come in,” Maite says. “We all have bruises on our legs from carrying stuff.”

The building of the Ángeles Espinosa Yglesias Fine Arts Center has allowed students to put on larger and more professional shows, learning not only about the acting, but every aspect of theater work.

“We learn as much as the cast does,” Maite says. “We learn about acting and singing because we see (the cast) every

day. We learn how everything works, how complicated a theater can be.”

The professional theater atmosphere also owes a lot to the orchestra pit in front of the stage. To bring Les Misérables to light, students, staff, alumni and parents joined together in a community effort to form an orchestra conducted by director Armando Arrocha. Sitting in the center behind the main keyboard, was student Do Hee Kim, who played for almost three hours non-stop.

“It’s really tiring but really fun,” Kim says. “The energy the actors give us helps me keep playing.”

Kim says fitting theater practice around regular orchestra practice – not to mention academic studies – was a challenge, as was resisting the temptation to sneak a look at what was going on directly behind her.

While the cast, crew and orchestra worked on perfecting the show, senior Yair Gittler decided playing a role onstage was not enough. He took on the mantle of executive producer, overseeing almost every aspect of production. From organizing

ticket sales and refreshments with parent volunteers to managing finances, working with outside contractors, helping get media attention and putting together the program, Yair helped make the play a great success.

And the work made a big impression on him. Thanks to his work as an executive producer, Yair decided to change his college major from psychology to communications, with a view to getting a master’s in project management and perhaps continue working in theater.

“I just found out that project management is quite absorbing. It has you doing something different all the time,” he says.

“My record was 39 calls and 160 emails in one day, working with different interests and providers.”

Cultural Affairs Coordinator Teruhi Yoshioka says Les Misérables provoked a change in many of the students involved in the production. “I can proudly say I have been there to see a bright light shine in their eyes as they have come to understand human condition in a more profound way while getting more and more into Victor Hugo’s words and characters,” she says.

A year of putting together Les Misérables has forged new friendships and changed lives. And while some have now moved on to university studies, many say they will continue pursuing theater-related work in the future. But those coming back to school soon have a new challenge … trying to top it next year.

t seeing it k it’s grea in th e.

I . n o ucti erspectiv hole prod ifferent p w d e a th u o e y v I lo t gives side, it jus from the derreche

Maite Lan

Summer / fall 2014 | 21

graduation | 2014

ASF farewells the ‘rebels’ of the Class of 2014

T

hey didn’t always play by the rules, but they were all the more successful because of it. At ASF’s commencement ceremony on May 31, 182 seniors became the newest members of the school’s alumni community, and for one last time, celebrated their years spent at school together before moving on to different pursuits and studies in different countries.

The Upper School field played host to parents, family, friends, media and other wellwishers, who watched the class of 2014 walk up the aisle and take the stage dressed in their maroon-colored caps and gowns. For many students, it marked the end of a journey that began as much as 15 years earlier across the street in the ECC. In a ceremony punctuated by pieces of music played by seniors from the Bohemian Flats group, Marco Antonio Karam, the head of Tibet House, inspired students with words from the Dalai Lama, before students were called upon one by one to receive their diplomas.

After the ceremony, the new graduates took some final photos with now-former classmates, as well as with family and favorite teachers and staff members. There was a mix of sadness at the end of a large chapter in people’s lives and excitement of a future full of possibilities.

Executive Director Paul Williams praised the class of what he called “rebels.” He explained that rebels are those who seek to do things in their own way, breaking with convention and taking risks. The class of 2014, he said, were a bunch of risk takers.

The fruits that some of those risks have borne were clear at the ceremony, with record numbers of students completing the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. These students risked taking on a heavy academic workload, and it paid off as they gained a head start toward a university qualification.

Head of Upper School Amy Gallie compared this stage of students’ lives to a runner suddenly approaching an abyss – do they throw caution to the wind and jump; screech to a sudden halt; gradually slow down and review their options; or turn back to safety? She told students that there are no correct or incorrect ways to face their future, but some paths and approaches to life are more sensible than others. The greatest risk, she told them, is to take no risk at all.

But these are the rebels, and taking risks is their specialty. It paid off for them throughout their time at ASF, and we hope it continues to do so in the future.

22 | Summer summer/Fall / fall2014 2014

summer/fall 2014 | 23

graduation | 2014

The Graduating

H

IB O

H

IB IB IB

O O O

IB IB O O H

H

IB AP

O O O

IB AP

H

IB

O O

IB

O

IB

O O O O

H

IB IB IB

Mayank Adlakha Victoria Achar Jakobsmeier José Alonso Beckmann Andrea Álvarez Kuri Ane Ambrosi Belausteguigoitia María Arteaga Jaime Álvaro Azcárraga Fuentes Iokin Azcárraga Caso Bernardo Balcázar Zorrilla María Ballesteros Suárez Pablo Barrios Chain Verónica Bedoya Cecilia Beltranena Larrave Macarena Blanco Alexander Bonino Giuliana Brignone Casas Mariana Carassó Bravo Gabriel Cárdenas Antonio Cárdenas Salazar Paulina Carregha García Diego Cepeda Wenzel Nicole Chaput Haiek Andrés Charvel Díaz Juan Chávez Fernández del Busto Han-a Chong Florencia Colín Malazzo Mateo Collado De Cima Vita Dadoo Lomelí Juan Pablo De León Poo Alexander De Winter De La Parra Kelly Dix Van Derin Dogu Claudia Driessen Rubalcava Ana Duclaud Igartúa Mailee Dunn Nicolás Durán Valdés María del Pilar Elizaga Sánchez Pedro Escudero Y Ramírez de Arellano Jessica Espejo Cerda María Esponda Saucedo Andrés Esteve Santos Casandra Esteve Leahy Jordi Evans Canales Alejandro Fajer Botaya Pablo Fajer Botaya

24 | Summer summer/Fall / fall2014 2014

Vellore Institute of Technology University Gap semester in Paris and Africa Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México New York University University of California Berkeley Northeastern University Gap semester Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Iberoamericana Pratt Institute Georgia Institute of Technology Gap semester, university in Argentina Virginia Commonwealth University Boston University Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe

O

H H

O O IB O O

H

Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute School of the Arts Institute of Chicago Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana

O O

IB

Gap year

H

Universidad Iberoamericana The University of Texas at Dallas Universidad Anáhuac Gap year in Europe Brigham Young University Idaho Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Iberoamericana

H

Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

O IB

Gap semester in Korea Gap semester Universidad Iberoamericana Davidson College

Universidad de la Comunicacion New York University University of Colorado at Boulder University of Notre Dame School of the Arts Institute of Chicago

IB

O O O O O

IB O

IB IB IB IB

O O O O

H H H

IB IB

Andrea Fernández Fajer Mariana Fernández Sierra Lucas Fiorita Pereira de Faria John Flanagan Emilio Flores Alide Flores Urich-Sass Conrad Frey Giuseppe Gallo De la Rocha Victoria Galván Loaiza Paula Gándara Autrique Pablo García Moreno Villarreal Paloma Gaspar de Alba Weinberg Álvaro Gil Rangel María José Gil Gallardo Yair Gittler Unikel Camila Gómez Díaz Barreiro Benjamín Gómez Cepeda Ana González Galindo Ana González Velázquez Gabriel Grossman Silberstein Iván Guerra Salas Ana Lucía Gutiérrez Cervantes José Luis Hanhausen Nina Hernández Gochis Alejandro Herrera Chain Laura Hoffman Vataru Jessica Holoschutz Berger David Hubp Martin Monserrat Ibáñez Haces Héctor Ibarzábal Rodríguez Alonso Iturbe Sotomayor Yoo Jin Jang Lee Daniela Jessurun Aguilar Greysen Johnson María Jones Romo Maricruz Juárez Carcaño Fiona Käch Vargas Liam Käch Vargas Paul Katzman Lagrange Izabela Lackowska Maite Landerreche Cardillo Seung Lee Kim Benjamín Lee Cavero Beatriz Li Gómez Kathy Li Zhang Mayte Li Gómez

Northeastern University New York University University of Southern California Northeastern University Gap semester Texas A&M University Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México ESMOD France Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Iberoamericana Parsons The New School for Design Universidad Iberoamericana Gap semester in Paris, Universidad Iberoamericana Gap year in Israel Universidad Anáhuac Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Universidad Panamericana School of the Art Institute of Chicago Gap semester, Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana Boston University Northeastern University The University of Texas at Austin Loyola University Chicago University of Miami Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe School of the Art Institute of Chicago Lane Community College Universidad Iberoamericana Escuela Nacional de Musica Claremont McKenna College Reed College Tulane University Loughborough University Universidad Panamericana Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe Texas A&M University Royal Holloway, University of London Northeastern University University of California Los Angeles

Class of 2014

IB O H

IB

AP

O

IB O O IB IB IB

IB

O

O O O O O

IB IB

O O

H O H

IB IB IB

IB IB

O O O

O O O

Sissi Li Zhou Pia López Debayle Iñaki Lozano Márquez Juan Luna Mugica Maria Andrea Madero Olavarrieta María Carolina Madero Olavarrieta María Malo Esquivelzeta Claudia Marmolejo Obregón Ana Martínez Ocampo Ander Mateos Escudero Daniela Mateos Garduño Lucía Matus Tenorio Gregoire McElvein Camila Medele Mariana Mejía Reza Ana Mejicano Greenberg Alfredo Men Samano Regina Moch Obregón Bruno Molina Ulloa María José Montiel Palacios José Moreno Pelayo Michael Mustri Artenstein Sharon Mustri Artenstein Jorge Nikaido Licona Alessandro Niro Meza Regan Núñez Marianne Obregón Brocher Lucía Ocejo Domenge María Inés Oñate Yáñez Jorge Ordorica Alonso Brandon Orozco Mendoza Gilberto Pacheco Torres Jun Yong Park Eric Parton Cobo Priscila Patiño Manríquez Álvaro Perezcano Botaya Emilio Portugal Rocha José Primelles Urdaneta Sebastián Pujalte Ojeda Lucas Quatorze Sauberli Natalia Quintero Taylor Carlota Ramos López Duplan María Ramos Martínez Valeria Rangel Mejía Nancy Recio Álvarez Juan Riestra Ramírez

Northeastern University Bryn Mawr College Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe Rice University Gap year NYU, Universidad Iberoamericana

H

IB AP O O O O

Universidad Iberoamericana IB

Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Anahuac Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Iberoamericana Instituto Marangoni In Paris one year Universidad Panamericana

O IB O IB

Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Queen's University Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Parsons The New School for Design Universidad Iberoamericana University of California Berkeley Universidad Iberoamericana Selkirk College of Music College in Michigan Gap year in London Massachusetts College of Art and Design Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Panamericana Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe University of Colorado Boulder Pennsylvania State University Universidad Anáhuac Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México University of Colorado Boulder Undecided The University of Texas at Austin Parsons The New School for Design Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México The University of Chicago Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Teletón Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

O IB AP IB H H

IB

O O O O O O O O

IB IB

O O O O

IB

O

H IB/AP H AP O O O

Regina Riojas Madero Camila Rioseco Mercado Claudia Robles-Gil Castro Iñigo Rodríguez Lemos Pablo Rodríguez Escobedo Sebastián Rodríguez Sfeir Begoña Rodríguez Karam Ana Rodríguez Randolph Mariel Rodríguez De La Garza Francisco Rojas Signoret Manuel Romano Angoitia Romina Romero Reynoso Kitzia Romero de Terreros Nin Aliza Rozen Schlusselberg Miguel Ruiz Leycegui Carla Ruiz de Velasco Cuevas Daniel Salazar Weingartner Rogelio Salcedo Largaespada Sabina Saldaña Olper Hillhamn Salome Batarse Antonio Salume Dib Fernanda Sánchez Ambrosi Mayra Sánchez Ortiz de Zárate Daniel Santiago-Yoder Andrea Sariñana Carregha Patricio Sayrols Estrada Luisa Segura Wolpert Anik Shveid Gerson Allan Sorsby Fuentes Nicole Spaulding Purdy Nabilah Tarin Gutiérrez Adrián Tejado Escobar Adriana Toro Ríos y Valles Guillermo Toscano Wellnitz Tiana Tutt Tagle Alexa Varela Sarfati Manola Verdes Quintero Frans Waller McClellan Valeria Watson Valero Sebastián Williamson Lloreda Edi Yaffe Nayman Huijia Yu Paul Zarkin Flyckt Nicolás Zebadúa Orozco Christopher Zimmermann Bernal

H - Honor Society

Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe Babson College Tufts University SAE Institute Mexico Northeastern University Universidad Anáhuac Wake Forest University Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe St. John's University Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana Gap year in Israel University of California Los Angeles Universidad Iberoamericana Rhode Island School of Design Gap semester University of California Santa Cruz Quinnipiac University Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana University of California Irvine Universidad Iberoamericana Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Mount Mary University Gap year in Israel Loyola University Chicago University of Delware Hult Business School Universidad Iberoamericana Universidad Iberoamericana college in Seattle Northeastern University Gap semester in Israel, Universidad Anáhuac Gap semester in Paris, Universidad Iberoamericana Parsons The New School for Design University of North Florida University of Southen California The University of Pennsylvania Duke University Gap year Universidad Panamericana Pennslyvania State University

IB - IB Diploma Programme

AP - Advanced Placement

O - Old Timers

Summer summer/fall / fall 2014 | 25

graduation | 2014

Words of wisdom for the Class of 2014 Chair of the Board of Trustees Rosa Pisinger (’87) remembers teaching some of the class of 2014 back when they were young ECC children. She said she has had the pleasure to watch many of them grow from that age into the young men and women they are today, and as such, feels like a part of her graduated with them.

“After today, you physically leave ASF. All of us around you hope that you carry within each of you all that you have been taught here.

Whether it was to inquire, to think, to communicate, to accept, to take risks, or to reflect, hold it close to your hearts – because this is what makes each one of you a ‘Mighty Bear.’

“Each one of you will realize that through academic excellence ASF has inspired you to think globally and become the leaders of tomorrow. We are all pulled together by memories of the school … climbing the huge turtle that now seems small; running down the long hallways to avoid a tardy; the wonderful cafeteria food; the theater productions; the athletic competitions and many others.

“Whatever endeavors you have decided to embark upon, I wish you all the best and much success. When you look back and remember the ASF, please hold close to your hearts the knowledge that we are your community and never hesitate to come back.

“As you go purposefully and responsibly on with your lives, make sure that when you contribute to the world, you leave behind the paw print of the Mighty Bears!

“I am sure that you will make us proud.”

Humanities teacher Ivette Orijel was chosen to give the congratulatory address to this year’s graduating class. She told students that they were a beloved generation not only to her, but to many faculty members.

“You were nice, responsible, enthusiastic, creative, critical, authentic students who were always interested in studying and improving your environment. You are an outstanding generation and I am sure that every one of you will reach your goals. You have an excellent academic basis that will help you on your way.

“You also have very high standards for yourselves and those who interact with you so, go to college and do not lower your standards, do not settle for anything but the best!

“Each one of you is taking different experiences, memories, happy moments, and friends. This is the time to look back and recognize what you have learnt during these school years.

“I have mixed feelings about this day. On one hand it is sad to see you leave; on the other I’m very happy to see you facing this new stage in your lives.

“Be grateful, do not forget your school. We will all be remembering you with joy, thinking that you are doing what you love to do and doing it well.”

“Thanks for your enthusiasm your commitment and your gratitude. You are the present and future in which you have a great responsibility to share what you have learned.

“Do not forget us, as we will not forget you.”

26 | Summer summer/Fall / fall2014 2014

Valedictorian Edi Yaffe proudly addressed his friends at the graduation ceremony, pointing out specific academic, sporting and artistic achievements by individuals and clubs. He urged people to take advantage of the opportunities life presents by adopting the ‘You Only Live Once’ state of mind.

“The world out there is different from the one we live in now.

Our lifestyle will definitely change. Different responsibilities, which we are yet not aware of, are waiting for us.

“Society defines success as being rich, famous or established, however, it is mistaken. We are successful as long as we do what we are most passionate about. Nelson Mandela said, ‘There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’

“There are countless examples of people here in ASF who do what they are passionate about and are successful. These are the things that make our class great. Thanks to all the inspirational people I am graduating with, I am thrilled to say that over the next four years I’ll be majoring in what I am passionate about – business.

“Life is about doing whatever it is that you are passionate about. Abraham Lincoln said, ‘In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.’ I hope you all live 120 years, but most importantly, I hope that whenever you go into the world, you continue doing what you are passionate about because you only live once.

“Ever since I was a young kid, I could not wait to graduate and go on to college. We have all waited 15 years for this moment, but now that it is here, I don’t want it to end. I am saddened by the fact that I will no longer walk over this field every morning, up the stairs and find all my class rushing to finish homework. Nonetheless, I find comfort in the fact that we will all be seeing each other soon as passionate and successful members of society.”

You can read more about Edi in our feature on page 28.

This year’s salutatorian, Mayank Adlakha, spoke to his classmates at this year’s Senior Awards ceremony. He said that graduation was about celebrating the success of every member of the class of 2014. Mayank urged graduates not to strive to become something, but rather, to strive to achieve something.

“Since childhood, we all aspire to become something … a doctor, a pilot, or a soldier. We rarely think about what we will do once we become these labels or why we want to become these labels.

“Our success isn’t in becoming the captain of the volleyball team or the president of the Student Council, but rather in being the owner of our identity. Each one of us is equipped with something unique which when combined, makes our whole generation.

“This is what success is really about. About using your identity to the best of its ability. It is about aspiring to do something that we believe in, in doing something that we want to do, not what society wants us to do.

“But success isn’t just about fulfilling the requirements of a job profile. It is not about fulfilling the duties of what we want to become. It is about living a balanced life. About balancing our resume-lighting stories with life-lighting stories. The day I can reach this balance is when I will call myself successful.

“As we dream to become something, we should dream to become ourselves. I should dream to become Mayank, and you should dream to become yourself.

“Be more than a corporate. Be more than a tucked-in shirt. Be more than the status quo. Be your identity.”

Summer summer/fall / fall 2014 | 27

FEATURE

Outstanding seniors represent ASF values With graduation 2014 over, last year’s seniors are now the newest ASF alumni. But their contribution to the school and community has made an impact that will influence younger students for years to come. Andrew Livingstone talked to five graduating seniors who stood out in five different, but equally important, aspects of the school community – Academics, Arts, Athletics, Community Service and Entrepreneurship. They told him about the work they have done during their time at ASF and their plans for the future.

The Academic:

Edi Yaffe

28 | summer/Fall 2014

I

t’s not often you meet a young person who has had a clear idea of what he wants to do for years. Especially when what he wants to do is go into business. Edi Yaffe wants to be his own boss and manage his own company. And he’s made the best possible start in life.

This year’s, Edi says that being named valedictorian this year was a great honor and something that will aid him in his career.

“It was something I’d hoped would happen, but there were a lot of talented people,” he says, adding that his classmates were all very supportive of each other.

Edi completed the full Advanced Placement diploma, as well as the International Baccalaureate this year. He took AP classes from 10th grade, while he devoted his junior and senior years to taking six IB classes plus the Theory of Knowledge course.

“The thing I enjoyed most was Theory of Knowledge,” he says. “You study the deeper questions of life. It was a great class because it broadened my mind. It allowed me to see things in different ways I couldn’t have imagined before.”

Edi says that the classes offered at ASF – especially the AP and IB courses – are unmatched by other schools in Mexico.

“They strive to offer students the best education possible, and you can fit the academics to your needs.”

Edi’s needs include a good grounding in business, so he included economics classes in his diploma. In addition, for his 10th grade Personal Project, while others explored arts, design, recreation activities or sciences, Edi wrote a business plan for a company that recycles electronic goods.

“The thing I like about it (business) most… is that it’s always something new,” he says. “Any given day something different can happen and you have to adapt and deal with the situation.

It keeps things exciting.”

As for what kind of business… Edi says he still hasn’t figured that out. He’s open to goods, services or anything that keeps him interested and engaged. It’s a question he’ll have five years to think about as he studies toward a double major in Business and International studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

After graduating from college, Edi says he may go into finance and work for a corporation to gain more real-world experience before opening his own business. But what and where, we’ll have to wait and see.

The Artist: David Hubp

D

avid Hubp is a man who likes to be in the spotlight, whether taking to the stage to sing, or playing one of a range of instruments. “I have no problems singing in front of people.

No problem,” he says.

The multi-instrumentalist and actor has a naturally powerful voice and an ear for music – and he put both to good use during his time at ASF. David took on some key roles onstage and backstage in the school’s production of Les Misérables, as well as devoting time to the jazz band and other musical pursuits.

But it’s not something that runs in the family, he says. “None of my family is into arts, they’re all either sports or science.”

While the visual arts scene has long been strong at ASF – as witnessed every year at the Art Fair – the performing arts are now growing to become another of the school’s cultural strengths. “Recently the school has been paying more attention to the arts,” David says.

David’s interest in performing arts was piqued when he began playing bass and guitar and joined a few rock bands to play some original music. As his musical ability and tastes broadened, he took on more challenges and says he can now play “about 15” instruments.

But he doesn’t just play instruments. David is interested in putting together sounds and recording music. “I got the software and

the tools to connect all the instruments onto a computer. So that’s not only where I learned how to play instruments but also to be able to record them and create songs.”

A big part of his musical development involved joining the ASF jazz band in 10th grade. And it happened almost by accident. David was intending to take a ceramics class, but it didn’t fit his schedule, so he switched to jazz band instead.

Then in his senior year, he was invited by a friend to try out for the school drama production. “Honestly it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve been through,” he says of the Les Misérables show. “I started enjoying more than just singing. … I got into both the technical stuff with the Tech Club and the arts stuff with the Drama Club.”

David excelled onstage playing the factory foreman and Combeferre, but he also helped with the sound engineering aspect of the play. It’s something he particularly enjoys, and this fall he will begin a degree in audio engineering at the University of Texas.

“The best studio engineers I know are really good musicians as well,” he says. “I want to get to know a lot of people who play different instruments, and I think a studio engineer can be a bigger part of that than an actual musician.”

Expect to see – and hear – more of David Hubp in the future.

summer/fall 2014 | 29

FEATURE

The Community Servant:

Lucía Ocejo

F

or Lucía Ocejo, there’s nothing more rewarding than receiving feedback from the community. Earlier this year at a family day organized by the Gamma Club, which for two years she presided over, parents of local children the club gives extracurricular classes to expressed their gratitude.

“They’re really glad that their children are able to spend their time in a school like ASF, using its facilities instead of playing on the streets,” she says. “Many of the parents are extremely happy and thankful. Some even cry. That’s really nice.” That’s part of the reason why Gamma Club received the Community Impact award at the Upper School clubs ceremony – recognition that Gamma has made a measureable contribution to the lives of other, less fortunate members of the ASF community.

It wasn’t until old timer Lucía Ocejo entered the Upper School that she got interested in the range of extra curricular activities at ASF. “It’s like a pre-college, so I really like that,” she says.

Her older sister had told her of the work done by the outreach group, so she joined Gamma Club, its successor. Gamma’s mission is to help kids from low-income families at local public schools by offering them classes and tutorials on ASF grounds. The classes are planned, managed and taught by ASF students.

It’s the best we can offer using ASF facilities,” Lucía says, adding that it’s “also a way to interact with the outside community of ASF.” 30 | summer/Fall 2014

“I fell in love with the club, with the parents I had to talk to and with the children that came in to the school every Tuesday,” she says. But after joining and spending a year in Gamma teaching art to local kids, Lucía saw room for improvement.

“I was really sad how abandoned the club was,” she says, adding that there were only about seven kids coming to the school and many of the ASF students were only taking part for something to put on their college application or résumé. “I saw the club had a lot of potential so I pushed to become president.”

In two years as the club’s president, Lucía managed to help grow the club from a small niche to a much larger program with a bigger reach and impact on the community.

This past year, the ASF students were more involved with the Gamma kids, teaching more classes – including English, French, art, music, physical education and technology – to a much greater number of local kids.

Now graduated, Lucía will study art in Boston, but she will continue to be involved in community work in the future.

“I will come back to Mexico because I love my country,” she says, “and I’m keeping in touch with the people from Gamma because I want it to continue being a success.”

The Athlete:

Valeria Watson

I

n May this year at Mexico’s National Swimming Championships in Veracruz, ASF senior Valeria Watson stood atop the podium to receive a gold medal as the fastest female backstroke swimmer in the 17-18 years category. Not only was she the top swimmer over that distance for her age, her time was good enough to land her third place in the open category.

It was the result of years of hard work. Early mornings spent in the swimming pool, afternoons at the gymnasium and weekends spent at the school, and it’s all paying off, as Valeria looks to secure a sports scholarship to a university in the United States.

During her time at ASF, Valeria could most often be found in the school’s 25-meter semi-Olympic pool. She says the redevelopment of the swimming pool and the recruitment of a professional coach, Noah Randall, really aided her progress.

“I think I have one of the best coaches in Mexico,” she says, adding that the ASF facilities make training easier.

“I can just come here and then go to class and come back and go to the gym at school, so I don’t have to travel very much.”

It wasn’t until 7th grade that Valeria started swimming regularly, and even then it was only for fun and fitness.

“I just did it for fun and I started taking it more seriously when Noah told me I could become a good swimmer if I worked hard.”

But the key to becoming a good swimmer is pure hard work. “It’s being there when no one else wants to.”

Valeria says she misses out on Friday nights with friends, gets up early to train on Saturdays, and sometimes spends whole weekends at swim meets.

But it’s not all missed opportunities. “I think that my best friends and my greatest experiences at school have happened through swimming, and the school has really supported me,” she says.

All the hard work paid off in May, when Valeria won age group gold at the National Swimming Championships. And now she’s set to study in the U.S. at a school that has a good swimming program and offers scholarships.

In the future, Valeria hopes to keep working hard and maybe represent Mexico at the Pan American Games or other international competitions. We’ll be watching for her.

A

s the cast, crew and audience applauded all the efforts on the final night of Les Misérables, one person received the loudest cheer from his fellow students. He wasn’t the star of the stage or orchestra, but Yair Gittler probably did more than anyone else to put together the show.

Originally entering auditions on a bet with friends, Yair was cast in a few secondary roles.

But as the production started coming together, he saw an opportunity to boost the play with behind the scenes work.

“At the beginning I was only going to do some fundraising. Then I started making presentations and some projects to make money,” he says.

Yair started by creating a new system for ticket sales, getting cast and crew to help out with promotion and sales, using his entrepreneurial and leadership skills to bring people together.

It grew from there, and as the show’s executive producer, he soon found himself coordinating almost every aspect of production: working with service providers to haggle over prices for lighting, audio, set construction and all parts of the show that used outside professionals, meeting with parents of cast members to put together a refreshment stand, putting together a program and publicity efforts with the school communications department and more.

It wasn’t the first time Yair had shown entrepreneurial flair in project management – he’d organized fundraising events at a previous school – but this time it was on a far larger scale than ever before.

Yair says his experience in managing different stakeholders at ASF was good preparation for later in life. “You get used to the real world. The teachers really prepare you for life.”

He adds that working and studying at the school has opened up more possibilities to let his leadership skills shine. “They give you so many opportunities. If you contact the right people, you can get the things you need. It’s not easy to get what you want, but if you keep trying, you can get it.”

While most of fellow graduates are enjoying a well-deserved break before heading off to university, Yair is completing a two-month internship with Teatro Ocesa, Mexico and Latin America’s largest theater production company.

“I’m going to be there for two months,” he says. “If they like my work in Ocesa I will probably start working for them.”

But before considering formal employment, Yair will travel to Israel, where he will spend the better part of a year living in a Kibbutz, serving in the Israeli Army and working to save money. Later, he sees himself completing a university degree in communications and having a future career involving project management.

With his leadership skills and extraordinary work ethic, Yair Gittler is on track to be one of our future world leaders.

The Entrepreneur:

Yair Gittler

summer/fall 2014 | 31

student voices

A summer spent at school While most Upper School students took a vacation in June and July, some stayed behind to gain professional experience working at ASF’s summer camps. Although these young leaders are still in their teens, they led activities, aided teachers and acted as role models for their younger peers aged four to 12 during the ASF Cub Camp and Bear Camp, both held on campus. Ana Lucero Villaseñor, now a senior, and old-timer Enrique Elías, now a junior, spoke to Focus about their experience working at summer camp.

Ana and Enrique take a break from helping summer campers to chat with Focus.

Focus: What made you decide to sacrifice vacation days for a month to help kids out in the summer camp?

Ana Lucero: I was here four years ago and I liked working with the kids.

Enrique: I was not going to do anything so instead of being lazy at my house, I thought I could do something productive here at the school.

Focus: How do you prepare for summer camp?

AL.: The Saturday before the summer camp started we came to ASF with the counselors and did some training, we were instructed in CPR and health. We also learned the drills for earthquakes.

E: I have worked in the summer camp before. Also, in 9th grade I received my Red Cross certificate so I know how to perform first aid.

32 | summer/Fall 2014

Focus: What is your role in the summer camp?

AL: For dance classes, the teacher mainly decides the choreography and I support. With the Bear Camp we are able to do a hard choreography and with the Cub one you see the children trying and you see the kids know how to dance – especially in freestyle.

E: I plan the activities, help the teachers out, put on music and help the kids change.

Focus: What activities do you supervise? How did you choose the activity?

AL: I supervise dance. In my initial interview they asked me which were the classes that I wanted to give, I mentioned four and they assigned me dance. I told them that I take traditional Spanish dance and each year I dance in Bellas Artes.

E: I originally applied for basketball but then they told me that it wouldn’t be offered, so I chose swimming because in previous camps I was in that activity and I really and enjoyed it. I also was a swimmer when I was the kids’ age.

Enrique helps Cub Campers get wet.

Enrique helps teach water skills to young summer campers.

Ana Lucero teaches Cub Campers a few dance moves.

Focus: How do you incorporate the IB values and the things you learn at school in the summer camp?

AL: We teach by giving the kids an example. We are always caring and sharing, so everyone knows that they need to take care of their things. We also encourage teamwork and group activities.

E: You teach the kids how to be empathetic and a caretaker. Also, there are kids who don’t know how to swim and they are scared, but we teach them to be risk takers. We tell them that we are going to be there whenever they need us, so that they can trust in us.

Focus: What do you personally get out of the experience?

AL: Being responsible, being on time and helping everyone. Taking responsibility is what I learned the most in the summer camp because we are the role models, we are the adults here and we need to take care of the young children.

E: I get a sense of responsibility and commitment.

Focus: How will this experience help you in your future studies or pursuits?

AL: First we had to fill out an online application and then we got a formal job interview. There were a lot of people fighting for this

job, so we learned how to get another formal job. We are learning how to work with other people.

E: We got the chance to work here when there were 80 people applying for the job and only 15 were hired. It doesn’t mean that we are better than them but we fought harder and we can’t get over confident, we have to keep pursuing and keep fighting just as hard for the next job.

Focus: Do you remember your summer camp days as a younger student? What are your best memories of the time?

AL: I attended one ASF camp when I was younger. There used to be tribes and the mascot of the school had a name (Churly) whose letters represented some values taught in the summer camp. There were also themes in the ECC camp, like pajama day and crazy hair days.

E: I got to work in two different systems of tribes. In the first year, Churly was the name of the mascot and the name stood for values like Caring, Honest, Understanding and so on. There were sleepovers and there was a water day that everybody loved. We would flood the field and get all muddy, then if it started raining or at 1 o’clock everybody would go to the pool and we had music. summer/fall 2014 | 33

Parent association

Art — not just for art’s sake This year, two students were jointly named Artist of the Year for the first time. Fiona Käch and Lucía Ocejo shared the honors for their work using different media and styles. Fiona and Lucía sat down at a round table organized by the Parent Association to share their views on ASF’s art program.

W I was brought up to appreciate all kinds of art: music, museums, on the streets, anywhere. L O ucía

34 | summer/Fall 2014

cejo

hile Sculptor Fiona Käch and painter Lucía Ocejo both submitted a strong portfolio for during the IB Visual Arts exhibit. “Their work was just outstanding and we decided to give both of them the recognition,” says Adriana Ramos, President of the Parent Association.

The two young artists were joined at the round table discussion by Paloma Porraz, ASF mother and former director of the San Idelfonso and Chopo museums, as well as plastic artist Betsabé Romero. Fiona and Lucía told them about how they became interested in art, and how ASF has helped them explore different techniques, styles and movements.

“Ever since I was a little girl my family has always had the custom of visiting museums every time we traveled – and we do it a lot. I have been interested in art since then,” Fiona says. She first became interested in photography, taking analog photography classes when she started high school. She also participated in summer courses and then decided to go into the IB Visual Arts program. There she worked some more in photography, and also gained an interest in sculpture. “Working in 3-D is a challenge, that is why I would love to get more into sculpting,” she says.

Art is to think about, not only to see. F K iona

äch

Lucía comes from a family of artists: her mother is a cellist, her father is an architect, her sister is studying to become an architect and her aunt, Ivonne Domher, is a very important artist who specializes in sculpture. “I was brought up to appreciate all kinds of art: music, museums, on the streets, anywhere.

Since Lower School I have always been interested in making art but it was finally until Upper School that I formally started with ceramics and painting, in the IB Visual Arts course,” she says. However, Lucía got very interested in creating three-dimensional art thanks to her sister, with whom she worked to design furniture. “After that I started painting on wood, which is my specialty right now.”

Now graduated and forming part of the ASF alumni community, Lucía and Fiona say that the IB Visual Arts program helped them to focus on finding a deeper meaning while making art. “The program makes us have a political, economical or cultural context before creating our work. We need to have strong bases and justifications about what our artwork is about. Art is to think, not only see,” Fiona says.

“Art is the result of a circumstance, which is what I learned in my History of Art class. It is our responsibility as artists to show who we are, with reasons, arguments and context. That’s what the IB promotes.”

summer/fall 2014 | 35

institutional advancement

The Annual Fund and You How ASF provides financial aid to qualified students... and how you can help

A

s the new school year begins, you, as a member of the ASF community, will probably be hearing a lot about something called the “Annual Fund.” The Annual Fund is a fundraising appeal that asks parents, alumni, staff and friends of the school to donate whatever you can within your financial means to help increase the Endowment Fund for Financial Aid. What does this endowment actually do? The answer is simple but very meaningful. It provides financial aid – money – to help pay the tuition of qualified students whose families might otherwise not be able to afford an ASF education for their child or children.

It is a restricted fund, meaning it can only be used for the financial aid program. It has been doing precisely that since the 1980s.

The financial aid program helps a wider variety of qualified students benefit from the academically rigorous, internationally oriented, university preparatory education that ASF offers.

The criteria for receiving aid are partly need-based, meaning that the family’s economic situation is an important factor toward eligibility. The thorough application process includes a socioeconomic study by a third-party agency.

At the same time, the financial aid program helps the school promote diversity by seeking talented students and families from different nationalities, religions, cultures and pursuits that are committed to the vision and mission of the school, regardless of financial capabilities. It allows the school to actively recruit and support students and families who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, community service and entrepreneurship, among other pursuits.

36 | summer/Fall 2014

Such diversity is especially valued at ASF as a means of enrichment for the entire student body, and an integral element in the formative process of an ASF student.

The financial aid program has been extremely successful for almost three decades, benefiting generations of cohorts indirectly by increasing diversity and positively changing the lives of hundreds of individual students (for an example, see the accompanying interview with Camila Gómez, a recently graduated financial aid recipient).

Currently, more than 300 students are attending ASF with the generous help of financial aid. They represent 12.7% of the student body.

But now the ASF Board of Trustees has set a much more ambitious goal for the program. It wants to increase the number of financial aid recipients to 20% of the student body in the upcoming years. For that to happen, the Endowment Fund must grow enough to cover the additional demand.

That’s where you come in. The goal for the Annual Fund for 2014-15 is to raise $400,000 dollars. With about 2,500 students enrolled, that goal can be reached with an average per-student donation of $150 dollars. Of course, that doesn’t mean that $150 dollars is the minimum donation – it’s an average that gives an idea of what our task is for this school year. Donations of any amount, no matter how small or how large – are deeply appreciated.

The Institutional Advancement office is committed to meeting that challenge. And with your help, we will.

There will be much information distributed this school year about how you can donate. If you can’t wait, go to the ASF website (http:// www.asf.edu.mx) and click on Support ASF.

“Thank you, ASF” A financial aid recipient tells what it meant to her.

The ASF financial aid program, supported donations to the Annual Fund by generous donors from all walks of life in the ASF community, helps the school achieve its goal of a diverse student body. But of course it also helps qualified individual students receive an ASF education. What does it mean to them? Focus interviewed on such student, a recently graduated financial aid recipient named Camila Gómez Díaz Barreiro (’14). Here, in her own words, are her thoughts: Focus: What was your favorite aspect of school life at ASF? Camila: My favorite aspect of my daily life at ASF was without a doubt being in the ASF Theatre Company. This year we had the honor to present “Les Misérables,” which was a huge hit not only within our school community but outside it as well.

Focus: What do you wish others knew about the school?

Camila: I wish others knew that ASF promotes diversity and individuality as its ideals, which are entirely reflected in the teaching methods that are implemented in the classroom.

Focus: What is it about ASF students and alumni that makes them stand out from students in other schools?

Camila: Students at ASF are dedicated and serious about their academic future. But what really makes them stand out is being diverse, and embracing this characteristic as well as welcoming it.

Focus: How has the financial aid program impacted your life?

Camila: Graduating from ASF has been my biggest accomplishment so far. I am forever grateful that all the factors came together to make this possible.

Focus: What would you like the parents of ASF students to know about the financial aid program?

Camila: I would like parents and students to know that the financial aid program at ASF gives dedicated individuals the opportunity to complete their studies when they lack the economic resources to do so.

Focus: How did you find the financial aid program affected the diversity of the student body?

Camila: The program was supportive regarding the equality it promoted among the students involved.

Focus: What do you think would make the community participate further in school life?

Camila: As part of the ASF community, we should value our school’s large set of activities, which embrace variety and gives us the opportunity to be involved and discover different areas.

Focus: What are your plans for future involvement in the ASF community?

Camila: I will definitely stay in touch with ASF. I was raised in it since K1 and it became my second home. I will make sure to participate in alumni activities and always lend a helping hand to what the school may need in return for what it gave me throughout the years. Thank you ASF for being the most amazing space for me to learn and grow as a person.

Summer summer/fall / fall 2014 | 37

institutional advancement

A stellar year Donors stepped up during the 2013-14 school year to bring in more than a million dollars to the school.

T

he American School Foundation is a non-profit institution. No one owns the school, rather, it is held in trust by a Board of Trustees. It operates on a break-even budget, meaning that all tuition fees go to the operational costs of providing an education.

Therefore, projects such as capital improvement and financial aid must be paid for through fundraising, which the Institutional Advancement office undertakes through special events, grant proposals and appeals to the community for donations.

In terms of the donations, 828 different donors contributed more than $1 million dollars to support ASF by making gifts to the Annual Fund or the Major Gifts program during the 2013-14 school year. This was done through contributions of vastly different amounts – it’s always worth mentioning that it’s not the size of the contribution that matters, but rather the outcomes that the giving produces.

You can peruse a complete list of donors on pages 39, 40 and 41 of this issue of Focus. Every single one of them is deeply appreciated. Perhaps next year, Focus will need to provide an extra page or two for the list as more and more readers step up to help the school achieve its goals.

As for fundraising events, there are some highlights from the 2013-14 fundraising year that are worth describing, even though they constitute just a few of the many events. They are: • •

The Annual Golf Tournament in November brought in more than $100,000 dollars in net revenue.

The Fundación Legorreta Hernández allowed the community to enjoy “A Magic Afternoon With Tchaikovsky” while donating the show and the proceeds to the school.

38 | summer/Fall 2014

•

•

The stellar Annual Fund Committee invited Gov. Bill Richardson to speak with Upper School students and to offer a community-wide conference that raised close to $50,000 dollars in revenue for the Annual Fund.

Families from Bosques de Santa Fe got together to donate on their own more than than $150,000 dollars to the Endowment Fund for Financial Aid.

All these achievements contribute to increased financial aid, improved facilities and other specific benefits for the school. Those benefits, in turn, help the school carry out its mission, and to continue to be an academically rigorous, international, university preparatory school, which offers students from diverse backgrounds the best of American independent education.

And, of course, the Institutional Advancement office is renewing its fundraising efforts for this new school year, with a new fundraising appeal and a line-up of special fundraising events.

These events will include (among many others) the 2014 edition of the Annual Golf Tournament on Oct. 27, the 46th Art Fair on Nov. 8, the Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 3-5 and the Holiday Magician Show on Dec. 4.

While Institutional Advancement takes the leadership role in most fundraising appeals and activities, they are really all a community-wide effort that works best when everybody gets involved in whatever way they can. By doing so, you are contributing to a noble effort to support a school that encourages students to love learning, live purposefully and to become responsible, contributing citizens of the world.

Thank you to our 2013 – 2014 Donors and Sponsors for the Annual Fund, for the Major Gifts Campaign and for the Endowment Fund for Financial Aid. DIRECT DONATIONS Individuals Adele Harrison Alejandra Macías Alejandra Naranjo Alejandra Valero Alejandro Allende Alejandro Cué Alejandro Franco Alexis Brachet de Lavenne Alfredo Trueba Ana María Salazar Anonymous Antonio Watson Armando Gómez Arturo Olvera Vega Barbara L. Hunter Bárbara Quintero Barbarella González Benjamín Gómez Bernardo Andrés González Carla Ormsbee Cecilia Grisi César Buenrostro Moreno Charles Edward Pilliod Chong Hee Kim Cristina Ahumada Claudia Aguilar Diego Miguel Pisinger Dorothy Ann Stanley Elisa Aguirre Enrique Rojas Fernández Romero Family Fernando Franco Fernando Pacheco Frances Combs Francisco Javier Altamirano Aguilera Gabriela Capdevielle Gersun Alfredo Galindo García Glenda María Pabst Gonzalo Gil Ho Yon Kim Horacio McCoy Irma Furbeck Boltman Jack Elias Jacobo Simón Tarrab James Gwynn Javier Adame Jesús Alejandro Santoyo Jesús Marcos John de Lafontaine John Foarde Jorge Arturo Arce Jorge Esteve Jorge Quinzaños José Antonio Moya Juan Carlos Jacob Milla Juan José Lecumberri Juan Pablo Ballesteros Karla Montalvo Kathleen Niven Leonor Elisa Beltrán Leticia Araceli Tapia Luis Alejandro Bustos Luis Manuel Cañibe María Alejandra Aponte María Eugenia Carrera Pliego Mark Hojel Mentoring Committee Nicole Guillén Octavio Peraza Olvera Liechty Family Paola Alejandra Jiménez Pons Paola Pérez Patricia Beatriz Irausquin Patricia Freemon Paul Williams Paulina Campos

Raúl Alejandro Escajadillo Ricardo Cervantes Roberto Miguel Salinas Tetsu Nagame Víctor Elías Aboumrad Yessica Verónica Pliego In Memory of Ian Cuttler John Donnelly Phyllis Hoffman Rodrigo Rosenberg Sergio Chedraui In Honor of Alejandro Elias Alejandro, Sandra, Nicole and Moy Woroszylski Aliki Elias Blanca del Valle Cathy Austin Diana Elias Diego, Rosa, Jaime and Mateo Pisinger Dolly & Julio Botton Elias Botton Family Enrique Elias Fernando, Ceci and Sharon Halkin Frances Huttanus Jorge Alanis Isaac, Lilian, Gabriel, Mijael and Jonathan Rubinstein Laura, Galia and Alan Nadelsticher Mateo, Jeanette and Daniel Beja Mauricio, Tanya and Gabriel Gojman Melina Botton Nelly & Fabio Pisinger Paul Williams Pisinger Reyes-Varela Family Roberto, Marion, Carlos, Jorge and Alejandro Langenauer Rosa Pisinger Sandy Robinson Sharon Ellstein & Family Steve Finley Woroszylski Ellstein Family Yvette Fernández Staff & Faculty Adriana de Ávila Muñoz Adriana Escobar Rojo Alberto Isaac Hananel Alejandra Naranjo Modad Amy Christine Olson Amy Irene Gallie Kevil Amy Marie Susan Oseguera Ana María Solorio Enriquez Ann Marie Ferry Anna Sarah Kelman Desatnik Athletics & Extended Learning Autumn Angelic Brown Beatriz Martínez Baez Prieto Bret Alan Sikkink Camila Dever Restrepo Carlos James Clay Christopher Michael Muller Claudia Beatriz Thomsen Bernal Daniel Gallardo Zamora Daniel Michael Leach Danielle Elizabeth Miller David José Velez Romero Debra Wynn Van Heest Winter Diana Cielak Pagovich Elena Espinosa Villaseñor Elisa Aguirre Tovar Elisa del Carmen Penela Quintanilla Elizabeth Howard Kerr Rivera Erin Michelle Trautman Esther Durán Triujeque

Fleur Immink Swart Garrett William Austin Gloria Guadalupe Vargas Graciela Leticia Zamora Castro Guadalupe Vázquez Bustamante Gustavo Tonatiuh Cárdenas Ponce Guy Frederick Cheney Helen Woroszylski Yoselevitz Isabel Arline Duque Ivette Berentsen Heger Janet Kay Castelpietra Jason Andrew Schell Jennifer Lee Byrnes Jennifer Renee Fiore Jessica Sadie Kenzler Jessica Sara Horne Jessica Vega Plasencia José Antonio Velázquez José Carlos Alanis Estrada Joseph Anthony Edwards Joshua Mann Norris Juan de Jesús Breene Juan Gabino Ramírez Julien Ireson Valois Kathleen Abling Shaunna Kristal Twachele Rice Kristen Marie Heusinger Laura García Igartúa Laura Mariana Hill Ruy Sánchez Laura Patricia Morales Álvarez Lauren Marie Dickson Lisa Ann Keeler Keenan Lorena Judith Tolumes Villafaña Lorena Ramón Verdin Luis Alejandro Ortiz Luz Eugenia Segura Quintanilla Ma. Cecilia Rojas Aguilar Ma. de Lourdes Jessel Pérez Ma. del Carmen Espinosa Ma. del Rocío Salas Valencia Ma. Elena Piccaluga Gutiérrez Makenzie Donaldson Marcela Ochoa Delgado María Amalia Noriega María Mercedes Abreu María Teresa Ríos Galván Maricela García Muñoz Marina Yolanda Hernández Mark Curry Abling Martha Dora Drury Memri Tagle Michelle Jackson Miriam Abarca Trujillo Mónica Álvarez González Monica Campa Robledo Natasha Lavroushin Othiana Roffiel Sánchez Parent Association Patricia Susana Martin Paul Williams Huster Paulina Hernández Franyutti Perri Devon Sand Pilar Beteta Orozco Rabiya Kassam Adams Rachel Ellen Dillon Rebecca Crutchfield Sklarski Renee Olper Ricardo Aguillón Robert William McCabe Rodrigo Cervantes Espinosa Samantha Ann Ayers Sandra Romo Mendoza Sergio Oseguera González Shaylyn Vic Carlstrom Silvia Virginia Solórzano Staci Ann Hyman Stephanie Rae Keller Brown Steven Loren Frazier

Summer summer/fall / fall 2014 | 39

institutional advancement Susan Ann Seibel Susan Marion Payne Susan Wathen Susana Goldschmied Suzanne Marie Blum Grundyson Tara Fitzgerald Tara Renee Vinlove Torrey Hanna Annas Trent Parcells Twyla Jan Hanes Bailey Verónica Jean Kremer Alcántara Vidal Ruiz Vargas William Edward Cox Yolanda Galán Rangel Corporations and Foundations Aquanima BBRU S.C. Desarrollo Axis, S.C. Seguros Atlas, S.A. The Warranty Group de México, S.A. de C.V. SPECIAL EVENTS Individuals Adiel Asch Adolfo Demetrio Ríos Adriana Hoyos Alberto de la Fuente Alejandra Ancona Alejandra Mancera Alejandra Naranjo Modad Alejandra Serrano Alejandra Vázquez Alexis Brachet de Lavenne Alfonso Waithsman Alfredo Hong Yuen Alicia Ana Antonia Arellano Samano Alicia Fernández Allison Hamer Ana Cuellar Ana Laura Varela Borbolla Ana Lía Del Carmen Reyes García Ana Paula Carral Andrea Hernández Andrés Marein-Efron Rothstein Antonio Crosswell Antonio Name Bárbara Quintero Bolin Winckelmann Family Bryan Boyle Carla Aparicio De Braun Carla Weinber Carlo B. Cannizzo Carlos Antonio Funes Carlos Rojo Carlos Sandoval Ceferino González Cesar Buenrostro Chertorivsky Family Clementina Aguilar Concha Orvañanos Daniel Espinosa Daniel Shkurovich Daniela Rivas De Ibarrola Family Deidre Moniz Diego Martínez Dojo De Okayama Dr. Antonio Bello Dr. Edmundo Guadarrama Dr. Efrain Waisser Rosentein Dr. Fidel Ruiz Gil Dr. Manzo Dra. Paulina Martínez Berlanga Elodia Josefa Gonzalez Cañestro Emilio Mussali Sacal Enrique Shibayama Murakami Esteban Vega Rossano Eva María Bringas Fabiola Perez Federico Rigoletti Felipe Raúl Holschneider Osuna Fernando Álvarez Robles Fernando Boullosa Fernando Franco Flora Merino Francisco David Hernández Atonal 40 | Summer summer/Fall / fall2014 2014

Francisco Fernández Alonso Francisco Fuentes Gabriel García Gabriela Neme Giorgio Parolini Giovanna Jiménez Gonzalo Barrutieta Gudet Family Gustavo Guzmán Gutiérrez Family Hilda Calderón Humberto Jasso Iglesias Family Ing. José Carlos Azcárraga Itziar Edurne Gómez Izangorena Iveth Lagos Javier Holschneider Jennifer Nacif John Donnelly Jorge Luis Cardona Jorge Manuel Ruiz Jorge Rolando Zarate Rocha José Antonio Chelala José Francisco Gutiérrez José Landa José Manuel Farah José María Cid José Mendez Petterson Juan Donald Forseck Julian Kuri Julián Vadillo Karen Coronado Laura Mariscal Lazar Wolf Zychlinski Zychlinska Leonor Elisa Beltrán Leonor Huttanus Ward Lew Burkholder Liam James Chernitsky Libia María Moreno Ospina Lina Flores Livia Chávez Lola Philips Lorena Blanco Lorenza Carral Luis López Loza Luis Manuel Alanis Luis Sayrols Ma. del Pilar Alonso Manuel Felguerez Marcedes Mantecón Marek Michal Keller Kolodziejczack María del Rocío Mejía María Elena Mina Marcos María Elena Treviño Forzán María Magdalena Larrañaga Romandía María Mercedes Fortes María Pasquel Mariana Camorlinga Mariano Franco Marisela de Ávila Heredia Marisela Sánchez Cruz Marisol Sabater Marissa Russell Martha Cassab Martha Malazzo Martha Rodríguez Martínez Hernández Family Matthew Dean Jolliff Mauricio Gutiérrez Mauricio Quintana Mauricio Serrano Miguel Álvaro Mateos Pérez Mónica Calderón Montserrat Sancliment Myriam Autrey De Cortina Nadine Markova Namen Téllez Nicolás Mariñelarena Octavio Márquez Pablo Gómez Linares Rincón Gallardo Paola Celada Paola Farca Paola Garduño Peñaloza Oviedo Family Peralta Family Peraza Sandoval Family Peter Bauer Mengelberg

Pia Quintana Raúl Hernández Riojas Madero Family Robert Craig Roberta Hernández Roberto Jones Roberto Murray Calderón Roberto Salinas Leon Rodrigo Maydon Marín Roger Von Gunten Keller Rolando Vega Saenz Rosa Pisinger Roxana Muñoz Salvador Magaña Samantha Siegal Sebastián Crosswell Sebastian Fernández y Familia Sofía Burgos Stephanie, Celine, and Randy Nelson Tania Ferrer Tania Odabashian Tessi Mustri Tufic Neme Martínez Vanessa Bello Galván Verónica Aguilar Vicente Rojo Vicky Guarneros Víctor Gerardo de la Macorra Víctor Hugo Figueroa Victoria Álvarez Morphy Victoria Guzmán Vidal Ruiz Violeta Ayala Mexicano Virginia Fuentes Virginia Prim Martinez Yessica Pliego Yolanda Sánchez Zaira Zepeda Corporations and Foundations ABC Medical Center Accesorios con Alma, S.A. de C.V. Advance Medical Aerolíneas Ejecutivas Aeroméxico Amanali Country Club & Nautica Ambar Diseño Ambienta American Express American Express Global Business Travel Lac Animar Tu Día Arte y Material S.A de C.V. AT&T Mexico Inc. Bambu Flores Banamex Bang & Olufsen Banorte Bellinghausen Santa Fe Bimbo Blend Blue Spa Blush By Andy Landa Bosque Real Country Club Boucherie Gourmet Bufete Quijano Bui BUPA Mexico Buro de Credito Burro Baik Cantina Guadiana 19 Casa Herradura Brown Foreman Mexico Chedraui China Girl Chocolates Turín Cielito Querido Café Cinépolis Círculo de Crédito, S.A. de C.V. Círculo K Club América CM2 Coca – Cola de México Colgate – Palmolive Comedor Santa María Comerci Impresión, Arte S.A. de C.V. COMEX Compudabo

Conceptos Corporativos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Contacto Promociones, S.A. de C.V. Cosméticos y maquillajes minerales, S.A. de C.V. Crantz & Stern S.A. de C.V. Dan Tiant Dessange Altavista Diablos Rojos De México Digital Producciones S.A. de C.V. Diseño y Corte Dopamina Ecobutik Editorial Azabache El Carrito De Las Flores EMC Er&Ma Especia, S.A. de C.V. Ezquerro Sound Systems FAB Concept, S.C. Feher & Feher Femsa S.A.B. de C.V. First Jet Franklin Templeton Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, A.C. Fundación Legorreta Hernández Fussion Estilistas Gela/Spa Intercontinental General Motors GEPP Giffan Gocco Goldman Sachs Golf Express Google Grrreen Monster Grupo Alsea Grupo Avándaro Grupo Azabache, S.A. de C.V. Grupo Fishers Grupo Malazzo Grupo Mexicano De Desarrollo/Banyantree Hotel Grupo México Grupo Presidente Intercontinental Gruppo Berlingo Habanero Films Haciendas Mundo Maya Handlab Healthy By Choice Herman Miller Hermes Hostal De La Luz Tepoztlán Hotel El Secreto Hotel Escondido Hotel Esperanza Hotel Habita Hotel Las Palmas México Hotel Monte Taxco Hotel W Ikuk Beatriz Indicium Solutions S.A. de C.V. Infinity Inmobiliaria y Constructora Luviano, S.A. de C.V. Innova ITESM Iza - Renta De Oficinas Equipadas J M Smucker de México S.A. de C.V. Jumex Junior League of Mexico City, I.A.P. JV Collection JW Marriott Kaloni Kimberly-Clark Knova KRUPS Ksa Kuri Manzutto La Casa De La Educadora La Cava de los Amigos La Escuelita La Trainera Laboratorios Carnot Laboratorios Sanfer Laddu Las Brisas Las Nubes Lenom Pr Libros Libros Libros, S.A. LIPU

Livanna Liverpool Lorant Loreal Los Canarios Maison Belen Mantenimiento Donald Clean, S.A. Manzzani Maraca Design Marcamaniacos S.C. Marielle Marinter Marquard y Asociados, S.A. de C.V. Mas Media Mezcales de Leyenda Mezcal Marca Negra S.A. de C.V. Mi Gusto Es Microsoft México Mineral Essenze Mini Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Monema Monte Xanic Moor Spa Moshi - Moshi Mundo Mex Napp Nespresso Notaria 138 Office Depot Olgamar S.A. de C.V. Operadora Bajo la Tintorera Opticas Devlyn S.A. de C.V. Oracle de México, S.A.DE C.V. Orange Baute Pachus Palacio De Hierro Pantera Paralelo 19 Paxia Pepsi Petco Pi Elemental Piel Canela Pineda Covalin Pr México Princel Pujol Química y Farmacia, S.A. de C.V. Quinta Monasterio Quintessentially Ramírez Valle Matriz, S.C. RC Operadora de Cafeterías S.A. de C.V. Recreo Entretenimiento S.A. de C.V. Regala 1, 2, 3 Restaurante Rocca Ritch Mueller Rue Mouffetard Salon - Jean Louis Davids Salon La Baute Santo Tomás Scotiabank Seguros Atlas Sesderma Smuckers Softtek Soporte de Imágenes S.A. de C.V. Sportium Sports World St. Regis Hotel Stella Rifwaggen Studio Piaget Swiss Brokers México Intermediario de Reaseguro, S.A. de C.V. Tea Forte Telcel Televisa, S.A. de C.V. Tequila Los Azulejos Texas Ribs Thai Gardens Polanco The Bash The Warranty Group Ti-Sento Tous Toyota Tuny Turrent

Tuxca Insecto Vadillo & Co. Vajillas Fernanda Perez Via Tredici, S.A. de C.V. Vinos La Redonda Volaris Wa Wallflower México, S.A. de C.V. Yap Consultores, S.C. Students 4F 5B 5D 5H Class 2013 Class 2014 Class 2021 ECC & LS Students through Piggy Banks Campaign Gamer’s Club MAJOR GIVING CAMPAIGN Individuals Aaron Sáenz Hirschfeld Adriana Peñaloza Álvaro Vaqueiro Ana María González Andrés Marein-Efron Rothstein Anonymous Antonio Barberena Antonio Cosío Pando Bibiana Frías Carl Edward Koller Carla Ormsbee Carlos Alfonso Álvarez Carlos de Icaza Carlos Ricardo Aiza Haddad Cecilia Saba David Goldzweig Enrique Macotela Enrique Rojas Esteban Levín Georgina Alcántara Gerardo Álvarez Morphy Gil Anav Ho Yon Kim Jack Elias Javier Arreola Jesús Marcos John Anthony Santamaria Jorge Arturo Arce José Luis Blasquez Juan Alejandro Ramos Juan Carlos Becerra Juan Cortina Juan Pablo Castro Juan Pablo Valdés Laura Diez Barroso Luis Innes Alonso Mario Swerdlin Rodal Pablo Cervantes Trejo Paola Alejandra Jiménez Pons Raúl Sayrols Roberta Hernández Roberto Escalante Soto Roberto Miguel Salinas Roberto Palacios Salvador Magaña Stephanie, Celine, and Randy Nelson Corporations and Foundations Bank of America Mexico, S.A. BBRU S.C. Davara Abogados S.C. Fundación Espinosa Rugarcía Fundación Hojel Schumacher Fundación Laura A. de Diez Barroso A.C. Fundación Mary Street Jenkins Marindustrias S.A. de C.V. MCM Telecom Mexrecap S.A. de C.V. Operadora Master de Franquicias Pepsico International Mexico PricewaterhouseCoopers, S.C.

Summer summer/fall / fall 2014 | 41

Bear Pride grows on campus

By Kristal Alley, Bear Boosters Treasurer 2012-15

“Cheering our athletes, supporting our coaches, and promoting school spirit and pride.” n May 2014 the Bear Boosters held the second annual Athletic Excellence and Sportsmanship Awards Gala. This new ASF tradition brings together Varsity and Junior Varsity athletes from all ASF teams for an end-of-year celebration that recognizes the dedication and accomplishments of our Varsity and JV athletes and their coaches.

With over 400 people in attendance, the Bear Boosters presented all players a “Bear Pride” lapel pin and one player on each team received the Athletic Excellence and Sportsmanship Award. The winners of this award were chosen by their coaches based on the following criteria: “The player that overall displayed the values of leadership, integrity and character through athletic excellence and sportsmanship.” And, this year, for the first time, senior athletes received a special maroon and gold tassel to be worn on their graduation cap.

The gala’s special guest, ASF alumnus, former varsity football player and coach, Ricardo Ganem, had some advice for the award winners. He emphasized that being the team captain or the best athlete on the team means you need to be the first at practice and the last to leave; you need to work hard and demonstrate leadership and commitment every day, on and off the field. And, in congratulating the seniors, Ganem reminded them that “once a Bear – always a Bear.”

The ASF Bear Boosters Club is a volunteer organization made up of parents who support ASF’s sense of community through sports. Our primary aim is to support school spirit. Over the past three years we have provided travel uniforms for the athletes; we sell spirit wear throughout the year; we support athletic events such as ASOMEX and other tournaments; we hold an annual homecoming raffle; and of course the annual gala. We were also proud to donate a much-needed trophy case to the Athletics Department, where ASF’s team accomplishments are now on full display.

For the 2014-15 school year, we will again work to support our athletes and coaches with a special focus on building our team-parent network. We encourage parents to get involved with Boosters and cheer for their student-athletes! Email us at bearboosters@ asf.edu.mx, ‘Like’ our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/bearboosters, ‘Follow’ us on Twitter @Bearboosters and “Be a Part of It!”

I

42 | summer/Fall 2014

Alumni | Profile

Alumnus gets lost, finds fame Let’s Get Lost, the debut novel by ASF Alumnus Adi Alsaid (’05), has been getting rave reviews from both young adults and professionals alike. Critics have called it “An impressive novel by a rising star,” and “A captivating cross-country journey.” The ASF alumnus and current varsity basketball coach has a skill for writing young characters in an intelligent and relatable way, and he took time off from finishing up his eagerly awaited second novel to talk to Focus. ”

“

I discovered the joy in writing when I was in 6th grade at ASF. We had an assignment to write sentences out of our vocabulary words. I don’t remember the words themselves, or the sentences I wrote. I only remember that it was more or less what you’d expect from an 11-year-old boy, something about a sniper rifle, with plenty of blood and guts. I remember feeling a great swell of pride and wonder that writing a sentence could bring me such pleasure.

“I’ve been writing ever since; short stories throughout high school and college that I never finished. I remember receiving encouragement from a handful of teachers, but it was also comments from classmates and friends that made me think I wasn’t the only one getting joy from my writing.”

It was that joy and encouragement that encouraged Adi to write a novel for publishing. Let’s Get Lost is about a road trip, but unlike other road novels, the story is told from multiple perspectives of the young people the protagonist Leila meets, not just Leila herself. These young people, each with their own unique personality quirks and stories to tell, add up to a fascinating and realistic series of intertwined sketches of young people’s lives and struggles.

“A lot of [Let’s Get Lost] was inspired by the many road trips I’ve taken, and the belief I hold that traveling and self-discovery go hand in hand. When I read or write or even travel, I want to get in as many heads as possible, find out what everyone is thinking. I loved the thought of a road trip book told mostly through the eyes of those that are stationary. So the book ends up being five different comingof-age stories rolled into one, each section with its own inspirations.

“I can relate to the cross-country road trip Leila takes, as I’ve been on road trips myself, though neither one was the route or the epic journey that Leila takes. Every character I’ve written has a little part of me in them, but they’re all also departures from myself, since I do like getting in strangers’ heads, and it’s more interesting to write about someone that isn’t me. I can relate to Hudson’s desire to search for treasures where others don’t see them. I can relate to Bree’s itchiness to travel. The high school version of myself would very much be able to relate to Elliot’s bout of unrequited love. Sonia writes, and her boyfriend’s quirk of wiping his basketball shoes clean with the palm of his hand are details I lent her from myself. Leila’s desire to become involved with others’ lives stems from my own interest in strangers.”

Adi says he doesn’t deliberately write in a style to suit a young adult audience, and that his writing style would be more or less the same whether he was writing literary fiction, horror, science fiction or anything else. Reviewers have said that Let’s Get Lost is also a novel that appeals to adults. “It’s a book about teens told the way I would want to tell it,” he says.

“I chose to write about teens because I was reading more and more young adult books in the last few years. Some were fantastic, and some had great concepts with executions that left me wanting more. So I decided to see how well I could do it.”

And working at ASF provided him with a ready-made audience, eager to read and comment on aspects of his book.

“After I gave an advanced reader’s copy to the Upper School library, I’ve received a number of nice comments from ASF students. A couple of my varsity players have checked out the book, and so have a few of the Repentino writers and staff members, all of whom have had nothing but nice things to say, which, of course, I was thrilled to hear.”

Coaching at ASF gives Adi a chance to indulge in his other passion: basketball.

“When I applied, my writing career had not taken off yet. I needed not just a paycheck, but a way to break up my writing day.

Coaching basketball was the perfect solution; I’ve loved the sport ever since I was little.”

Adi is not worried that young people are increasingly becoming distracted by other forms of entertainment and reading less and less. He says from his personal experience, teenagers seem to be reading more than ever.

“The book conferences I’ve gone to are filled with teenage readers. Everywhere online you see teens who are incredibly passionate about books, whether they are young adult books or not.”

Adi is currently between drafts of his second book. He doesn’t want to reveal too much, but gives us an idea of what to expect. “It’s another contemporary young adult novel with multiple perspectives, set in high school.”

When it does come out, we’re sure it will only further expand Adi’s growing fan base, both young and older.

summer/fall 2014 | 43

Alumni | Profile

Cinema Dreams Arturo Ripstein (’61), the dean of Mexican cinema, talks about his days as a student at The American School Foundation, and the state of the Mexican film industry.

One of Mexico’s most loved and acclaimed directors, Arturo Ripstein (’61) has made 37 feature films. He learned at the knee of Luis Buñuel, for whom he worked as an assistant director, and his screenwriters have included Gabriel García Márquez and Carlos Fuentes.

Though he was born into the industry, it was during his time as a student at ASF when he started to really understand the power of the moving image. And it was at ASF, he confesses, where he spent much of his class time daydreaming about the movies. He recently talked to Focus about those dreams, and how things have changed since he was a student more than 50 years ago.”

Focus: What are some of your memories of ASF? Arturo Ripstein: I was not very in touch with reality. I had been at ASF since I was very young, so my contact with reality was going to school every day. I was a very distracted kid, so I would pay attention for a brief moment, understand the topic, and then I would daydream, looking out the window. This caused me a lot of problems, and I was constantly sent to the principal’s office. Honestly, I was not a great student.

Focus: Do your remember a teacher who made a special impact on you?

AR: My first grade teacher, Mrs. Miller, was a wonderful teacher who helped me succeed at math. I was really good at spelling, but really bad at math. My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Velázquez, was very important because she was fundamental in my discovery of the pleasure of learning. Mr. Méndez, as we got older, was the perfect example of patience; and I also had the honor of witnessing the brilliant intelligence of Mr. Growth, whose loss I still lament.

Focus: Was there any aspect of your time at ASF that inspired you to enter the movie industry?

AR: The movie industry has always fascinated me. I was born into it as the son of a producer, and have been a part of it all my life. However, I remember when we were taken to the library to watch films. The librarian, Mrs. Toppen, used to show us a film about the esophagus over and over again. It was a horrifying portrayal of the digestive system, but it helped me realize the importance of watching things repeatedly to understand them.

Focus: When you were young, you knocked on Luis Buñuel’s door, looking to be his pupil and learn from him. And he sat you down to watch “Un Chien Andalou” repeatedly. If an inexperienced yet enthusiastic young filmmaker knocked at your door, how would you react?

AR: I would not show him one of my movies. I am more proud of others’ movies than I am of my own. If a young man knocks at my door, my first reaction would be to dissuade him from this industry. However, if he insists, then I would tell him to learn by observation, since that is the only way to learn in this industry. It is important for a student of film to start with the basics. The way to learn, besides school, is to read about theory and about everything you can. The most important thing for aspiring filmmakers to do is to watch as many movies as they can; this will force them to acquire a profound knowledge of cinematography. The movie I would share with them would be “Stagecoach,” by John Ford.

44 | summer/Fall 2014

Focus: You didn’t formally study cinematography; you learned it by making films. Do you think it is important to study cinematography or would you recommend just doing it?

AR: Schooling teaches you cleverness. It teaches you a process that, although you eventually learn the same lessons from experience, helps you save time and understand the procedure of everything. Schools exists for a purpose, and it does help. But nobody can teach talent.

Focus: What advice would you give a budding cinematographer?

AR: Study orthodontology instead. Cinematography is a very difficult career. It can be humiliating and unpleasant. For me it’s the best career in the world, but it is very difficult. I have watched young people suffer in this industry. If they aren’t willing to put up with rejection and failure, I recommend they study something else. Getting the resources and support to make a movie is extremely complicated. I had to struggle to pay for food for my family while making the projects I to complete.

Focus: Your movies show a very crude reality. What inspires and motivates you to approach these themes in your stories?

AR: All I need to do is open my eyes and observe my surroundings. I am a product of my time, of my city, of my country, and I see things as they are. I digest them and translate them into the stories in my movies. At the end of the day, I film what I see.

Focus: What career achievement or acknowledgement are you most proud of?

AR: All of the acknowledgments are always welcome and one does feel very proud. As for the achievements, it’s very hard to choose. However, I dare say that being able to forge a career that has lasted for 50 years is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Focus: How has Mexican cinema evolved during your time in the industry?

AR: It has changed enormously. There used to be supply and demand; today we only have supply and very low demand. Mexican cinema, as an independent industry, has ceased to exist. What we have today, which I really care about, is a few auteurs that make art with one movie – they refuse to be told what they can or can’t do. Although we still have the commercial movies, there is a strong group of cinematographers that, although few in number, are creating solid works of art. I hope they can continue to do so.

Alumni | reunions

Class of 1974 Celebrates its 40th anniversary Everyone who had the opportunity to attend the 40-year ASF reunion from June 27 to June 29 felt a deep connection and the good fortune of being able to spend time with childhood friends.

We had voted to gather in San Diego, Calif., where a number of classmates live. Some 43 alumni came from as far away as New York, Boston, Mexico City, Veracruz and Michigan to attend. A party at the home of the very hospitable Julia (Judy Schmidt) and Bob Burnier launched the weekend, where the class of ’74 ate mountains of Mexican food. On Saturday morning partiers took a brief tour of some highlights of San Diego.

Later, they laughed uncontrollably at the performance of “magician” Brandon Scott, who performed acts of wizardry that incorporate Mexicanismos and a tortilla signed with Magic Marker.

“Trío Los Faraones” arrived straight from “La Línea” in Tijuana to perform Mexican music. Together with Tamara Rodríguez Mehl, their singing inspired us to sing, dance and to feel a deep nostalgia for the land all of us used to called home. We came together to appreciate the unique perspective we developed while attending the American School in Mexico City.

Class of 2004 One decade later On June 28, the ASF class of 2004 celebrated their 10-year reunion in Mexico City. More than 70 alumni gathered at the American Legion in Colonia Condesa to catch up and reminisce about times at ASF. The group was delighted to welcome people who traveled from Spain, Colombia and the U.S. just for the occasion. Several significant others and some close friends also joined. Stories about adventures over the last 10 years were shared while attendees also enjoyed a slideshow of new and old photos. Once the karaoke started to play, the class of 2004 united as one – slightly out of tune – voice. The night ended on a high note as people said their goodbyes and hoped to see each other soon. We wish to thank all those who attended and remember all those who could not make it. A very special thanks to Alejandra Ruiz del Río and Guillermo Rojas for organizing.

summer/fall 2014 | 45

Events and Milestones

’91 2014-15 ALUMNI C ALENDAR OF E VENTS

Congratulations to Luis de Llano Stevens and Karla Jiménez Amescua, who have recently welcomed into the world a baby daughter. Paulina de Llano Jiménez weighed a healthy 3.215 kg.

’03

A pink and peach sunset and a gorgeous heart cloud formation greeted Mariajose Magallanes and Javier Montero as they married in a beachside ceremony on May 24. More than 200 people traveled to the Riviera Maya to accompany the loving couple, including fellow alumni, Mariana Martínez (’03), Paola Martí (’03), Gabriel Gálvez (’03), and Nicolas Santacruz (’03). After the ceremony guests spend the whole night dancing. Mariajose used to be our Alumni Relations Specialist, and while we miss her, we also wish her all the best in this new stage of her life.

’10

Isabel Oliveres Tarragona won the award for best dissertation in the history department at University of Pennsylvania this year, and will be the flag bearer for the department at the college’s commencement ceremony. Her mother Margarita says, “We are so happy and proud of her. ASF played a big part in giving her such a good education.”

Congratulations Isabel! Another alumna making ASF proud.

’03

Paola Elizaga informs us that she married her Colombian partner Andrés Hurtado in Casco Viejo, Panama this year. The couple met while working at P&G, and their wedding was attended by Andrés Bonett (’02), Santiago Ordorica (’02), Carolina Forero (’02), Karla Díaz (’03), Janet Huerta (’03) and Michelle Camazón (’02) among others.

ALUMNI BOWL Alumni playing like true bears. 1,2,3...Bears!

Showing School Spirit

ASF TALKS 100% produced by Alumni for the ASF community and the world to inform, inspire and network.

SOCCER TOURNAMENT The tournament of the season, around 200 alumni playing to win our ASF Cup. 5/10K RACE A family day like no other.

Run for education and keep setting new goals.

46 | summer/Fall 2014

Verónica Bedoya poses with her parents and her alumni spirit prize.

Seniors Verónica Bedoya and Álvaro Azcárraga were recognized for their oustanding school spirit, enthusiasm, and academic leadership with this year’s Alumni Spirit Award. We, the Alumni Council, believe these representatives are clear examples for our ASF community.

Congratulations!

Where Are You? If you ever attended ASF, we’re looking for you! Please update your information by sending an e-mail to alumni@asf.edu.mx right away. We want to keep you up to date on all the ASF news as well as informed about upcoming alumni events. Keep in touch!

In memoriam

“If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality.”

– Norman Cousins Tony Pérez (’57) On Wednesday April 16, former ASF student Tony Pérez passed away of a heart attack shortly after returning home from a baseball game in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tony is survived by his partner Anne, sons Lucas and Gregorio, stepdaughter Nicole and five precious grandchildren.

Stephanie Ray (’69) We were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Stephanie Ray, an ASF alumna from the class of 1969.

’01

Karina Posada writes: “I married Sebastiano Pinardi – twice actually, once in Parma, Italy, where we had a small Catholic ceremony and an intimate wedding of 90 people, and again in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. On Saturday April 19, 250 guests all dressed in white for a ceremony held at the Capilla of the Charleston Hotel ExConvento Santa Teresa. The reception included a salsa show, fireworks, dinner, a funky photo booth and dancing. Among the ASF Alumni that celebrated with us were: Daniel Posada (’03), Wdeth Gabriel (’01), Samantha Castellano (’01), Gandia Robertson (’01), Tanya Beja (’01), Ricardo Cortina (’01), Mauricio Gojman (’01), Enrique Landa (’01), Francis Toedtli (’01), Odette Romero (’01), Tabatha Castellano (’04) and Daniel Fernández de Córdova (’03).”

Alumni Entrepreneurs

’03

Galia Venguer: Yal Kú México Aventurero is a digital platform that invites its audience to explore Mexico through different eyes. It features unexplored and uncommon destinations through a user-friendly format and contains important information on prices, services, accommodation, tips and recommendations and precautions to help you plan your vacation. Yal Kú aims to promote environmental awareness and protection and to educate travelers on how to leave a smaller footprint.

’01

Julieta Huerta: Kauil Ahumados specializes in artesian smoking of preservative-free wild Alaskan salmon, one of the healthiest types of meat. Kauil Ahumandos delivers in Mexico City. www.kauilahumados.com

’04

Franshesca Oliveras: Franshesca’s shoe label LOBO, launched last year, aims to create a range of women’s footwear that will resist the pressures of changes in fashion trends. As part of the “slow fashion” movement, LOBO’s goals include reducing unnecessary consumerism and its impact on the environment. LOBO also supports Fundación Lince, an organization dedicated to conserving the lobo mexicano (Mexican wolf), among other charities.

summer/fall 2014 | 47

Kids’ corner

the dents ha d , you n g stu p m ca r e mm h a nd is yea r’s su st the ea rt Du ri n g th y, usi n g ju a cl h ome it w . t ce of a rt S ex peri men ir ow n pie e rs th cha nce to te a e e cr wh il othe inations to e patterns, u iq n u their ima g h it u gs w esi g ned m l works. students d fa nta stica d n a l ta n v iron me created en

48 | summer/Fall

2014

12th Annual Golf Tournament

October 27, 2014

Bosque Real Country Club